CHAPTER X.LOANGO.
Faithful and hopeful, wise in charity, Strong in grave peace, in pity circumspect.
Those who for their sins have been to Loango will scarcely care to have its beauties recalled to memory.

And to such as have not yet visited the spot one can only earnestly recommend a careful avoidance.
Suffice it to say, therefore, that there is such a place, and the curious may find it marked in larger type than it deserves on the map of Africa, on the West Coast of that country, and within an inch or so of the Equator.
Loango has a bar, and outside of that mysterious and somewhat suggestive nautical hindrance the coasting steamers anchor, while the smaller local fry find harbour nearer to the land.

The passenger is not recommended to go ashore--indeed, many difficulties are placed in his way, and he usually stays on board while the steamer receives or discharges a scanty cargo, rolling ceaselessly in the Atlantic swell.

The roar of the surf may be heard, and at times some weird cry or song.

There is nothing to tempt even the most adventurous through that surf.