FROM BUSSA TO THE SEA 447 carpet, with a lion rampant as I had seen at Tenda. The chiefs spear was stuck in the ground beside him, and his sceptre consisted of a cane ornamented with copper and silver. A horribly ugly wife, with a face covered with scars, shared the royal bench, whilst the courtiers remained squatted on the sand during the interview. On entering the hut every one was expected to kneel, and on reaching VIEW OF BUSSA.

the chief the visitor had again to prostrate himself and cast sand upon his own head.

A wooden bench was assigned to us to sit on, and I spread out the handsomest present I had brought with me.

Salutations were now exchanged. Thanks were given in the name of the Sultan of the French for the help given to Captain Toutee the year before by the Bussa canoes.

I then slipped in a word about the facilities of transport I hoped for for myself.