The drumming came nearer and nearer, and then, carried in a chair on the shoulders of four strong negroes, while ten others armed with guns marched beside him, the king made his appearance.
Mr.Goodenough and Frank advanced to meet him.

The king was a tall man with a savage expression of countenance.

Behind Mr.Goodenough, Ostik and the Fan who spoke the language advanced.

The king's chair was lowered under the shade of a tree, and two attendants with palm leaf fans at once began to fan his majesty.
"Tell the king," Mr.Goodenough said, "that we are white men who have come to see his country, and to pass through to the countries beyond.

We have many presents for him, and wish to buy food and to hire carriers in place of those who have brought our things thus far." The king listened in silence.
"Why do the white men bring our enemies into our land ?" he asked angrily.
"We have come up from the coast," Mr.Goodenough said; "and as we passed through the Fan country we hired men there to carry our goods, just as we wish to hire men here to go on into the country beyond.