As a matter of courtesy they consented, and plates were placed before them, heaped with a stew consisting of meat, vegetables, and hot peppers.

While the meal went on the king asked Mr.Goodenough what he had come to the coast for, and was disappointed to find that he was not going to set up as a trader at Bonny, as it was the custom for each newcomer to make a handsome present to him.

When the meal was over they took their leave.
"Do you know what you have been eating ?" the agent asked Frank.
"Not in the least," Frank said.

"It was not bad; what was it ?" "It was dog flesh," the agent answered.
"Not really!" Frank exclaimed with an uncomfortable sensation of sickness.
"Yes, indeed," the agent replied.

"Dog's meat is considered a luxury in Bonny, and dogs are bred specially for the table." "You'll eat stranger things than that before you've done, Frank," Mr.
Goodenough continued, "and will find them just as good, and in many cases better, than those to which you are accustomed.