But Before I Had Time To Receive An
Answer Another Drew His Knife, And Seizing Upon A Metal Button Which
Remained upon my waistcoat, cut it off and put it into his pocket.
Their intentions were obvious, and I thought
That the easier they
were permitted to rob me of everything, the less I had to fear. I
therefore allowed them to search my pockets without resistance, and
examine every part of my apparel, which they did with the most
scrupulous exactness. But observing that I had one waistcoat under
another, they insisted that I should cast them both off; and at
last, to make sure work, they stripped me quite naked. Even my
half-boots (though the sole of one of them was tied on to my foot
with a broken bridle rein) were minutely inspected. Whilst they
were examining the plunder, I begged them, with great earnestness,
to return my pocket-compass; but when I pointed it out to them as it
was lying on the ground, one of the banditti, thinking I was about
to take it up, cocked his musket, and swore that he would lay me
dead upon the spot if I presumed to put my hand upon it. After
this, some of them went away with my horse, and the remainder stood
considering whether they should leave me quite naked, or allow me
something to shelter me from the sun. Humanity at last prevailed;
they returned me the worst of the two shirts and a pair of trousers;
and, as they went away, one of them threw back my hat, in the crown
of which I kept my memorandums, and this was probably the reason
they did not wish to keep it. After they were gone, I sat for some
time looking round me within amazement and terror. Whichever way I
turned, nothing appeared but danger and difficulty. I saw myself in
the midst of a vast wilderness, in the depth of the rainy season -
naked and alone, surrounded by savage animals, and men still more
savage. I was five hundred miles from the nearest European
settlement. All these circumstances crowded at once on my
recollection, and I confess that my spirits began to fail me. I
considered my fate as certain, and that I had no alternative but to
lie down and perish. The influence of religion, however, aided and
supported me. I reflected that no human prudence or foresight could
possibly have averted my present sufferings. I was indeed a
stranger in a strange land, yet I was still under the protecting eye
of that Providence who has condescended to call Himself the
stranger's Friend. At this moment, painful as my reflections were,
the extraordinary beauty of a small moss in fructification
irresistibly caught my eye. I mention this to show from what
trifling circumstances the mind will sometimes derive consolation;
for though the whole plant was not larger than the top of one of my
fingers, I could not contemplate the delicate conformation of its
roots, leaves, and capsula without admiration. Can that Being,
thought I, who planted, watered, and brought to perfection, in this
obscure part of the world, a thing which appears of so small
importance, look within unconcern upon the situation and sufferings
of creatures formed after His own image? Surely not! Reflections
like these would not allow me to despair. I started up, and,
disregarding both hunger and fatigue, travelled forwards, assured
that relief was at hand; and I was not disappointed. In a short
time I came to a small village, at the entrance of which I overtook
the two shepherds who had come with me from Kooma. They were much
surprised to see me; for they said they never doubted that the
Foulahs, when they had robbed, had murdered me. Departing from this
village, we travelled over several rocky ridges, and at sunset
arrived at Sibidooloo, the frontier town of the kingdom of Manding.
CHAPTER XIX - ILLNESS AT KAMALIA AND KINDNESS OF THE NATIVES
The town of Sibidooloo is situated in a fertile valley, surrounded
with high, rocky hills. It is scarcely accessible for horses, and
during the frequent wars between the Bambarrans, Foulahs, and
Mandingoes has never once been plundered by an enemy. When I
entered the town, the people gathered round me and followed me into
the baloon, where I was presented to the dooty or chief man, who is
here called mansa, which usually signifies king. Nevertheless, it
appeared to me that the government of Manding was a sort of
republic, or rather an oligarchy - every town having a particular
mansa, and the chief power of the state, in the last resort, being
lodged in the assembly of the whole body. I related to the mansa
the circumstances of my having been robbed of my horse and apparel;
and my story was confirmed by the two shepherds. He continued
smoking his pipe all the time I was speaking; but I had no sooner
finished, than, taking his pipe from his mouth, and tossing up the
sleeve of his cloak with an indignant air - "Sit down," said he; "you
shall have everything restored to you; I have sworn it:" - and then
turning to an attendant, "Give the white man," said he, "a draught
of water; and with the first light of the morning go over the hills,
and inform the dooty of Bammakoo that a poor white man, the king of
Bambarra's stranger, has been robbed by the king of Fooladoo's
people."
I little expected, in my forlorn condition, to meet with a man who
could thus feel for my sufferings. I heartily thanked the mansa for
his kindness, and accepted his invitation to remain with him until
the return of the messenger. I was conducted into a hut and had
some victuals sent me, but the crowd of people which assembled to
see me - all of whom commiserated my misfortunes, and vented
imprecations against the Foulahs - prevented me from sleeping until
past midnight.
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