dozen men would leap overboard together, the canoes were frequently
capsized. The divers, however, thought nothing of these mishaps,
righting the boats and getting in again without difficulty.
Splendidly muscular fellows they were. Indeed, except among the
Turkish hamals it is doubtful whether such powerful figures could
be found elsewhere.

"They would be grand fellows to take with us, Mr. Goodenough,"
Frank said.

"Yes, if they were as plucky as they are strong, one could wish
for nothing better; but they are notorious cowards, and no offer
would tempt them to penetrate into such a country as that into
which we are going."

Stopping a few hours at Cape Coast Castle, Accra, and other ports
they at last arrived at Bonny.

"It is not tempting in appearance," Frank said, "certainly."

"No," Mr. Goodenough replied, "this is one of the most horribly
unhealthy spots in Africa. As you see, the white traders do not
dare to live on shore, but take up their residence in those old
floating hulks which are thatched over, and serve as residences and
storehouses. I have a letter from one of the African merchants in
London, and we shall take up our abode on board his hulk until we
get one of the coasting steamers to carry us down. I hope it will
not be many days."

The very bulky luggage was soon transferred to the hulk, where Frank