the article is a curiosity in itself; and if we should live to return to
England, we shall easily learn whether it was made there or not. The chief
himself has never worn the tobe, nor did his predecessor, from a
superstitious feeling; 'besides,' observed the king, 'it might excite the
cupidity of the neighbouring powers.'

"_Sunday, June 20th_.--The king sent a messenger this morning, to inform
us that he was a tailor, and that he would thank us for some thread and a
few needles for his own private use. By this man he likewise sent a musket
for us to repair; but as it is Sunday, we have declined doing it till
to-morrow. Eager as we are to obtain even the slightest information
relative to the unhappy fate of Mr. Park and his companions, as well as to
ascertain if any of their books or papers are now in existence at this
place, we had almost made up our minds to refrain from asking any
questions on the subject, because we were apprehensive that it might be
displeasing to the king, and involve us in many perplexities. Familiarity,
however, having in some measure worn off this impression, and the king
being an affable, obliging, and good-natured person, we were emboldened to
send Paskoe to him this morning, with a message expressive of the interest
we felt on the subject, in common with all our countrymen; and saying that,
if any books or papers which belonged to Mr. Park were yet in his
possession, he would do us a great service, by delivering them into our
hands, or at least by granting us permission to see them. To this the king
returned for answer, that when Mr. Park was lost in the Niger, he was a
very little boy, and that he knew not what had become of his effects; that
the deplorable event had occurred in the reign of the late king's
predecessor, who died shortly after; and that all traces of the white man
had been lost with him. This answer disappointed our hopes, for to us it
appeared final and decisive. But in the evening they were again raised by
a hint from our host, who is the king's drummer, and one of the principal