consists entirely of traders from Sierra Leone, Kroomen, etc. The
natives, whose tribal name is Adiza, live in little villages in
the interior. They are an extremely primitive people, and for the
most part dispense altogether with clothing. The island belongs to
Spain, and is used as a prison, the convicts being kept in guard
ships in the harbor. After a stay of three days there Mr. Goodenough
and Frank took passage in a sailing ship for the Gaboon.



CHAPTER IX: THE START INLAND


After the comforts of a fine steamer the accommodation on board the
little trader was poor indeed. The vessel smelt horribly of palm
oil and was alive with cockroaches. These, however, Mr. Goodenough
and Frank cared little for, as they brought up their mattresses and
slept on deck. Upon their voyage out from England Frank, as well as
several of the other passengers, had amused himself by practicing
with his rifle at empty bottles thrown overboard, and other
objects, and having nothing else to do now, he resumed the practice,
accustoming himself also to the use of his revolver, the mark being
a small log of wood swung from the end of a yard.

"I told you," Mr. Goodenough said, "that your skill with the blowgun
would prove useful to you in shooting. You are as good a shot as
I am, and I am considered a fair one. I have no doubt that with a
little practice you will succeed as well with your double barrel.
The shooting of birds on the wing is a knack which seems to come
naturally to some people, while others, practice as they will,