Then the next day they rowed back to Ekenge.
The village people were all gathered down at the landing place to welcome
the chiefs home. They watched patiently for the boats. When the boats came
the people shouted for joy.
"Welcome home, Chief Edem," said Mary. "How was your trip? Did you enjoy
your visit at Duke Town?"
"The trip was fine, Ma," said Chief Edem. "Duke Town is a big
village. They have a big churchhouse. We saw many things."
"Did you need your guns and swords?" asked Mary.
"No, Ma, you were right. We did not need guns or swords. King Eyo was good
to us. We have many fine things."
"If you work hard and get things to trade, you can get many more fine
things," said Mary.
"We are going to work hard. We want many of those fine things we saw."
The men did work. Because they were busy they had less time and less desire
to get drunk and quarrel. Mary's missionary work was having its effect on
the lives of the people. Slowly they were changing from their heathen ways,
but there was still much to do.
One day while Mary and Mr. Ovens were working on the mission house they
heard a wild scream from the nearby jungle. Mary jumped up.
"Something is wrong in the jungle," said Mary. "Johnny, go and see what it
is."
One of her orphan boys ran off to find out what was wrong. In a few minutes
he came back.
"Ma, Ma," he cried, "a man is hurt.
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