Now we will go ashore and pay our respects to the king." "Do you mean to say that there is a king in that wretched looking village ?" Frank asked in surprise.
"Kings are as plentiful as peas in Africa," Mr.Goodenough said, "but you will not see much royal state." Frank was disappointed indeed upon landing.

Sierra Leone had given him an exalted idea of African civilization, but this was at once dispelled by the appearance of Bonny.

The houses were constructed entirely of black mud, and the streets were narrow and filthy beyond description.
The palace was composed of two or three hovels, surrounded by a mud wall.

In one of these huts the king was seated.

Mr.Goodenough and Frank were introduced by the agent, who had gone ashore with them, and His Majesty, who was an almost naked negro, at once invited them to join him in the meal of which he was partaking.