To its right there is a hut, with a woman sitting
inside the portal, and many goats are feeding all about the
palace, just as large and distinct as if I was close by them."
The day was now far spent, and all proceeded towards the palace.
On the way a mistletoe was pointed out as a rain-producing tree,
probably because, on a former occasion, I had advised the king to
grow groves of coffee-trees about his palace to improve its
appearance, and supply the court with wholesome food - at the same
time informing him that trees increase the falls of rain in a
country, though very high ones would be dangerous, because they
attract lightning. Next the guns must be fired off; and, as it
would be a pity to waste lead, the king, amidst thunders of
applause, shot five cows, presenting his gun from the shoulder.
So ended the day's work in the field, but not at home; for I had
hardly arrived there before the pages hurried in to beg for
powder and shot, then caps, then cloth, and, everything else
failing, a load of beads. Such are the persecutions of this
negro land - the host every day must beg something in the most
shameless manner from his guest, on the mere chance of gaining
something gratis, though I generally gave the king some trifle
when he least expected it, and made an excuse that he must wait
for the arrival of fresh stores from Gani when he asked.
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