Missionary Story Sketches; Folk-Lore from Africa (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1909. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX Mr. Jackson Spends A Day Visiting The Towns And Half Towns With The King.--He Makes ObservaTions.--What He Jotted Down At The Close Of The Day By The Light Of A Torch. Even before the sun had risen, the next morning the natives were up and going to their farms. Mr. Jackson had only one more day, according to his program, to remain at Kie Tipoor before taking his leave of the hospitable king and people for the coast, where he would pay his respects to the president and then immediately embark on a German steamer for the United States, by way of England. He had made an engagement for the following day with the king, with whom he was to hold an interview on various topics and visit the farms and huts of his subjects. "The king is sending now his messenger, I believe," said Jarbar, as he looked out of the windows that opened toward the king's quarters. A man came directly to the hut and asked to see Mr. Jackson. "What is your errand?" he was asked. "King Kie Tipoor sent me for call dem daddy," said the boy. "He lib for go farm one time." "Tell him I shall come immediately," said Mr. Jackson, and immediately the man was off with the message to the king. On arriving at the king's house he found His Majesty had donned his working garb, which consisted only of a pair of mandingo trousers, loosely fitting about the loins, the legs of which reached down to the knees. The royal breast and arms lay bare. Sandals made of bark and fastened to the feet by means of tough grass were a protection against pebbles and roots. A cap made of African grass and dyed of leaves rested jauntily on the head. His "boys" carried the farm implements, which consisted of short hoes, cutlasses, bill hooks, and small axes. His wives, three hundred in number, performed the farm ...