The body was then taken from the camel's back, and placed
in a shed, whilst the slaves were digging the grave; which being quickly
done, it was conveyed close to it. I then opened a prayer-book, and,
amid showers of tears, read the funeral service over the remains of
my valued master. Not a single person listened to this peculiarly
distressing ceremony, the slaves being at some distance, quarrelling and
making a most indecent noise the whole of the time it lasted. This being
done, the union-jack was taken off, and the body was slowly lowered into
the earth, and I wept bitterly as I gazed for the last time upon all
that remained of my generous and intrepid master. The pit was speedily
filled, and I returned to the village, about thirty yards to the east of
the grave, and giving the most respectable inhabitants, both male and
female, a few trifling presents, entreated them to let no one disturb
its sacred contents, I also gave them 2,000 cowries to build a house,
four feet high, over the spot, which they promised to do. I then
returned, disconsolate and oppressed, to my solitary habitation, and
leaning my head on my hand, could not help being deeply affected with my
lonesome and dangerous situation; a hundred and fifteen days' journey
from the sea-coast, surrounded by a selfish and cruel race of strangers,
my only friend and protector mouldering in his grave, and myself
suffering dreadfully from fever.
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