In the evening he arrived at a village called Kooma, situated in a delightful valley.

This village is the sole property of a Mandingo merchant, who fled thither with his family during a former war.

The harmless villagers surrounded Mr.Park, asked him a thousand questions about his country, brought corn and milk for himself, and grass for his horse, and appeared very anxious to serve him.
On the 25th, he departed from Kooma, in company with two shepherds, who were going towards Sibidooloo; but as the horse travelled slowly, and with great difficulty, the shepherds kept walking on at a considerable distance, when on a sudden Mr.Park heard some people calling to each other, and presently a loud screaming, as from a person in great distress.

He rode slowly to the place whence the noise proceeded, and in a little time perceived one of the shepherds lying among the long grass near the road.

When Mr.Park came close to him, he whispered that a party of armed men had seized his companion, and shot two arrows at himself, as he was making his escape.