110 



THE KINGDOM OF UGANDA 



unsolicited ; and with tlieir inborn tact the chiefs are not there to worry 

 you with compliments or greetings. The tea, therefore, is drunk — cup 

 after cup, made with delicious fresh milk — gratefully and silently, and 

 the traveller finishes the rest of his journey in a cheerful frame of mind. 

 The place where he will encamp for the night is probably a rest- 

 house on the skirts of a large native settlement, or it may even be on 

 the big open space where the weekly markets are held, or near to which 



91. IN A SWAMP FOREST, UGANDA 



the church or mosque has been erected. As one nears the camp, excited 

 white-robed messengers come flying along the road tliree at a time, running" 

 as hard as they can to meet the European as he advances on horseback. 

 " Chief So-and-so has sent us to greet you,*' they shout, besides adding 

 many of the usual and elaborate Uganda greetings. The traveller bows ;. 

 they wheel round and run back as hard as they came. A few hundred 

 yards farther on, more messengers arris'e with the same statement. The 

 last of these that come remain with the guest, give him. the news, and. 



