In The Evening We Reached A Small
Village, Where We Slept, And, Departing From Thence The Next
Morning, Crossed In A Few Hours A Narrow But Deep Stream Called
Krieko, A Branch Of The Senegal.
About two miles farther to the
eastward we passed a large town called Madina, and at two o'clock
came in sight of Jumbo, the blacksmith's native town, from whence he
had been absent more than four years.
Soon after this, his brother,
who had by some means been apprised of his coming, came out to meet
him, accompanied by a singing man. He brought a horse for the
blacksmith, that he might enter his native town in a dignified
manner; and he desired each of us to put a good charge of powder
into our guns. The singing man now led the way, followed by the two
brothers, and we were presently joined by a number of people from
the town, all of whom demonstrated great joy at seeing their old
acquaintance the blacksmith by the most extravagant jumping and
singing. On entering the town the singing man began an extempore
song in praise of the blacksmith, extolling his courage in having
overcome so many difficulties, and concluding with a strict
injunction to his friends to dress him plenty of victuals.
When we arrived at the blacksmith's place of residence we
dismounted, and fired our muskets. The meeting between him and his
relations was very tender; for these rude children of nature, free
from restraint, display their emotions in the strongest and most
expressive manner. Amidst these transports the blacksmith's aged
mother was led forth, leaning upon a staff. Every one made way for
her, and she stretched out her hand to bid her son welcome. Being
totally blind, she stroked his hands, arms, and face with great
care, and seemed highly delighted that her latter days were blessed
by his return, and that her ears once more heard the music of his
voice.
During the tumult of these congratulations I had seated myself apart
by the side of one of the huts, being unwilling to interrupt the
flow of filial and parental tenderness; and the attention of the
company was so entirely taken up with the blacksmith that I believe
none of his friends had observed me. When all the people present
had seated themselves the blacksmith was desired by his father to
give them some account of his adventures; and silence being
commanded, he began, and after repeatedly thanking God for the
success that had attended him, related every material occurrence
that had happened to him from his leasing Kasson to his arrival at
the Gambia, his employment and success in those parts, and the
dangers he had escaped in returning to his native country. In the
latter part of his narration he had frequently occasion to mention
me; and after many strong expressions concerning my kindness to him
he pointed to the place where I sat, and exclaimed, "Affille ibi
siring!" - ("See him sitting there!") In a moment all eyes were
turned upon me; I appeared like a being dropped from the clouds;
every one was surprised that they had not observed me before; and a
few women and children expressed great uneasiness at being so near a
man of such an uncommon appearance.
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