Ostik very good cook.

Master find good grub; he catch plenty of beasts." "You're not afraid, Ostik, because it is possible we may have trouble on the way ?" "Me not very much afraid, massa.

You good massa to Ostik he no run away if fightee come; but no good fight whole tribe." "I hope not to have any fighting at all, Ostik; but as I have got six Houssas with me who will all carry breech loading guns, I think we should be a match for a good sized tribe, if necessary." Ostik looked thoughtful.

"More easy, massa, go without Houssas," he said.

"Black man not often touch white traveler." "No, Ostik, that is true; but I must take with me trade goods for paying my way and hiring carriers, and if alone I should be at the mercy of every petty chief who chose to plunder and delay me.