Page:A pilgrimage to my motherland.djvu/92

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TO MY MOTHERLAND.
83

kept with us, as they were journeying in the same direction. The same evening we sojourned at Atadi, a small Egba town, where we were kindly accommodated by the "visitor" of the Church Missionary Society, a worthy, pious man, whose example and teachings are effecting much for those among whom he labors. He possesses a neat little house, which is very comfortable though built of mud and in the native style.

By daylight the next morning we expected to resume our journey, but were unable to obtain a relay of carriers for several hours; not that there were not several to be had, but finding that we were compelled to employ them, or be greatly incommoded, they seized the opportunity to exact more than three times the sum usually paid. Besides, they soon discovered that our interpreter, into whose hands all these things were committed, was a native of the coast, and therefore unacquainted with the manner of proceeding. There was no alternative but to submit to their extortion. No where are people quicker to perceive an advantage, and more ready to use it. We left Atadi about ten A.M. The road was exceedingly busy, as there were thousands of persons bearing palm-oil and other commodities to the coast for sale.

The next town at which we encamped for the night was Ilugun. When we were within five or six miles