- We continued at Feesurah all this day, to have a few
clothes washed, and learn more exactly the situation of affairs
before we ventured towards the capital.
February 11 - Our landlord, taking advantage of the unsettled state
of the country, demanded so extravagant a sum for our lodging that,
suspecting he wished for an opportunity to quarrel with us, I
refused to submit to his exorbitant demand; but my attendants were
so much frightened at the reports of approaching war that they
refused to proceed any farther unless I could settle matters with
him, and induce him to accompany us to Kemoo, for our protection on
the road. This I accomplished with some difficulty; and by a
present of a blanket which I had brought with me to sleep in, and
for which our landlord had conceived a very great liking, matters
were at length amicably adjusted, and he mounted his horse and led
the way. He was one of those negroes who, together with the
ceremonial part of the Mohammedan religion, retain all their ancient
superstitions, and even drink strong liquors. They are called
Johars, or Jowars, and in this kingdom form a very numerous and
powerful tribe. We had no sooner got into a dark need lonely part
of the first wood than he made a sign for us to stop, and, taking
hold of a hollow piece of bamboo that hung as an amulet round his
neck, whistled very loud there times. I confess I was somewhat
startled, thinking it was a signal for some of his companions to
come and attack us; but he assured me that it was done merely with a
view to ascertain what success we were likely to meet with on our
present journey.
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