the prescription of the scientific caboceer of Adja,
was perhaps advisable, on the ground that if it did
not cure it would kill, but the case was differently
situated with Lander, for although his health had
sustained some severe shocks, yet it was good in comparison
to that of his master; but the prudent caboceer considered
that although he was not then actually ill, yet the
possibility, and even the probability existed that
he might become so, and therefore it was determined
that the same medicine should be administered to Lander,
as had been done to his master. Lander, however,
protested that he did not stand in need of so potent
a medicine, on the other hand, the caboceer protested
that he was a great fool to entertain any such an
opinion, and following the practice of the celebrated
Dr. Sangrado, Lander was obliged to undergo the purgatory
of the caboceer’s medicine, and he was ready
to admit that he did not feel himself the worse for
it after its effects had subsided. The town of
Adja is remarkable for an avenue of trees, with a creeping
briar-like plant ascending to the very tops, and hanging
down so as to form an impenetrable defence against
every thing but a snake, and it is impossible to burn
it. Leaving their medical friend, the caboceer
of Adja, they proceeded to Loko, which is also a considerable
walled town; and on proceeding about four miles further,
they came to a groupe of three towns, one walled and
two without walls, all bearing the name of Soloo.
The approach to the town of Tshow was through a beautiful
valley, planted with large shady trees and bananas,
having green plots and sheets of water running through
the centre, where the dingy beauties of Tshow were
washing their well-formed limbs, while the sheep and
goats were grazing around on their verdant banks.
This state of repose is stated, however, to be frequently
disturbed by inroads from the neighbouring kingdom
of Borgho, the natives of which are described as thieves
and plunderers, and as the travellers were now close
on its borders, they thought it necessary to brush
up their arms.
In the evening, however, a caboceer arrived with a
large escort of horse and foot from Katunga, the capital
of Youriba, and having shaken hands with the travellers,
immediately rubbed his whole body, that the blessing
of their touch might be spread all over him. The
escort was so numerous, that they ate up all the provisions
of the town. Every corner was filled with them,
and they kept drumming, blowing, dancing, and singing
during the whole of the night.
On leaving this place, the road through which they
passed was wide, though woody, and covered by men
on horseback and bowmen on foot; the horsemen, armed
with two or three long spears, hurrying on as fast
as they could get the travellers to proceed; horns
and country drums blowing and beating before and behind;
some of the horsemen dressed in the most grotesque
manner; others covered all over with charms.