{8} This Is A Large, Spreading Tree (A Species Of Sterculia) Under
Which The Bentang Is Commonly Placed.
{9} When a negro takes up goods on credit from any of the Europeans
on the coast, and does
Not make payment at the time appointed, the
European is authorised by the laws of the country to seize upon the
debtor himself, if he can find him, or, if he cannot be found, on
any person of his family; or, in the last resort, on ANY NATIVE OF
THE SAME KINGDOM. The person thus seized on is detained, while his
friends are sent in quest of the debtor. When he is found, a
meeting is called of the chief people of the place, and the debtor
is compelled to ransom his friend by fulfilling his engagements. If
he is unable to do this, his person is immediately secured and sent
down to the coast, and the other released. If the debtor cannot be
found, the person seized on is obliged to pay double the amount of
the debt, or is himself sold into slavery. I was given to
understand, however, that this part of the law is seldom enforced.
*** END OF TRAVELS IN AFRICA - VOLUME 2 ***
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