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246  THE HOSPITABLE

THE HOSPITABLE NEGRO WOMAN.

THE enterprising traveller, Mungo Park, was employed by the African Association, to explore the interior regions of Africa. In this hazardous undertaking, he encountered many dangers and difficulties. His wants were often supplied, and his distresses alleviated, by the kindness and compassion of the negroes. He gives the following lively and interesting account of the hospitable treatment he received from a poor negro woman.

2. "Being arrived at Sego, the capital of the kingdom of Bambarra, situated on the banks of the Niger, I wished to pass over to that part of the town in which the king resides; but from the number of persons eager to contain a passage, I was under the necessity of waiting two hours. During this time, the people who had crossed the river, carried information to Mansong, the king, that a white man was waiting for a passage, and was coming over to see him.

3. "He immediately sent over one of his chief men, who informed me, that the king could not possibly see me, until he knew what he had brought me into his country, and that I must not presume to cross the river, without the king's permission. He therefore advised me to lodge, for that night, in a distant village, to which he pointed, and said

NEGRO WOMAN.  247

that, in the morning, he would give me further instruction how to conduct myself. This was very discouraging. However, as there was no remedy, I set off for the village; where I found to my great mortification, that no person would admit me into his house.

4. "From prejudices infused into their minds, I was regarded with astonishment and fear; and I was obliged to sit the whole day without victuals, in the shade of a tree. The night threatened to be very uncomfortable; the wind rose, and there was great appearance of a heavy rain. The wild beasts too were so numerous in the neighborhood, that I should have been under the necessity of climbing up the tree, and resting among the branches.

5. "About sunset, however, as I was preparing to pass the night in this manner, and had turned my horse loose, that he might graze at liberty; a negro woman, returning from the labors of the field, stopped to observe me; and perceiving that I was weary and dejected, she inquired into my situation. I briefly explained to her; after which, with looks of great compassion, she took up my saddle and bridle, and told me to follow her. Having conducted me into her hut, she lighted a lamp, spread a mat on the floor, and told me I might remain there for the night.

6. "Finding I was very hungry, she went out to procure me something to eat; and returned, in a 

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