Mr.Goodenough replied that they had very great pleasure in visiting the court of his majesty, that they had already been traveling for many months in Africa, having started from the Gaboon and traveled through many tribes, but had they had any idea of visiting so great a king they would have provided themselves with presents fit for his acceptance.

But they were simple travelers, catching the birds, beasts, and insects of the country, to take home with them to show to the people in England.

The only things which they could offer him were a double barreled breech loading rifle of the best English construction, and a little gun, which would fire sixteen times without loading.
The king examined the pieces with great attention, and, at his request, Mr.Goodenough fired off the whole contents of the magazine of the repeating rifle, whose action caused the greatest astonishment to the assembled chiefs.

The king then intimated his acceptance of the presents, and said that he would speak farther with them on a future occasion.

He informed them that they were free to move about in the town where they wished, and that the greatest respect would be shown to them by the people.