After keeping the necklace for two or three minutes round her neck, she took it off, for a woman in mourning can not wear any ornaments. She said she would keep the beads till she died, and then they should be buried with her. I gave her some other presents, which she hid, "for," said she, "if the people knew I had such nice things, they might bewitch me in order to obtain them. Chally, the country is full of aniemba." These last words she uttered in a very low voice.
GIVING BEADS TO QUERLAOUEN'S WIFE.
Obindji told me that he had heard Malaouen had gone on some trading expedition. I had, therefore, only to regret not being able to see him or Gambo, who had returned to his own country.
I missed them dreadfully, and I left word with Obindji to tell them to come to the Ashira country after me.
I could not possibly remain, and all the entreaties of friend Obindji could not make me stay. I must go to the Ashira country.
In the mean time, a new comer is to be one of the chiefs of the party. Okendjo, an Ashira man, with Adouma, is going to lead us. Adouma received very positive orders from the king to follow me to the Ashira country. Wherever I go, he must not return without me.
With Bakalai and Goumbi people, amounting to thirty-two men all told, I left the morning after my arrival for the Ashira land.
Okendjo was in his glory; he had conceived the brilliant idea of taking the first moguizi into his country.
