Volltext Seite (XML)
CHAP. VII. ACCOMMODATIONS AT FOULE POINTE. 181 tered the court-yard of my friend, who was an officer in the place. Here I was preparing to alight; but, before being aware, was carried quite into the house, where I was cordially welcomed. One of my attendants was completely loaded with the specimens of plants which I had gathered during the journey, and which I now deposited in one of the large trees for security. The house was well built with native materials. It contained two good rooms, boarded floor, door, and windows with shutters, but no glass. It had a large kind of kitchen with fireplace outside; and also a fireplace in the smaller or inner room, which seemed to be a sort of store-room and cooking-place, as well as sleeping- room. In one corner was a small bed on a frame like a stretcher. Around the head of the bed, firearms, swords, and warlike accoutrements, were placed, On one side of the room stood some boxes, on the other was the fireplace, and in other parts were bags of rice or millet, baskets of beans, with various tools, agricultural implements, and other valu able stores. The corner containing the bed was pointed out as my quarters, and I took possession by placing there my carpet-bag and photographic apparatus. Many of the friends of my host, and others whom I had seen at Tamatave, soon came in with repeated expressions of welcome; and, after a good wash and a hearty supper, we spent the time very agreeably together, observing usages which would not have been neglected at home. One of those present had spent some time at Mauritius, and knew a little English. Two others spoke French, so that we could communicate with each other much better than was sometimes the case. My in quiries related to their past and present circumstances; and the promptitude and cheerfulness of their replies left me no reason to fear that my inquiries were unwelcome. They, on the other hand, had many deeply interesting questions to ask, more particularly about the religious belief and practices