Light as they are the Krooboy can stand up and dive from his boat without upsetting it if he take time; but in the hurry and excitement of diving for coppers, when half a dozen men would leap overboard together, the canoes were frequently capsized.

The divers, however, thought nothing of these mishaps, righting the boats and getting in again without difficulty.
Splendidly muscular fellows they were.

Indeed, except among the Turkish hamals it is doubtful whether such powerful figures could be found elsewhere.
"They would be grand fellows to take with us, Mr.Goodenough," Frank said.
"Yes, if they were as plucky as they are strong, one could wish for nothing better; but they are notorious cowards, and no offer would tempt them to penetrate into such a country as that into which we are going." Stopping a few hours at Cape Coast Castle, Accra, and other ports they at last arrived at Bonny.
"It is not tempting in appearance," Frank said, "certainly." "No," Mr.Goodenough replied, "this is one of the most horribly unhealthy spots in Africa.

As you see, the white traders do not dare to live on shore, but take up their residence in those old floating hulks which are thatched over, and serve as residences and storehouses.

I have a letter from one of the African merchants in London, and we shall take up our abode on board his hulk until we get one of the coasting steamers to carry us down.