TROUBLE WITH THE MAKOLOLOS. 65 



that we had brought these willing and hardworking 

 Shupanga men with us instead of the uncertain and 

 apparently independent swells, whose society we so 

 eagerly sought and easily obtained. 



I worked hard at the boat all day, and by dark 

 several sections were put together. In the evening Mr. 

 Young, who saw the state of affairs with as downcast 

 an eye as any of us, called me to him, and stating that 

 we were on the brink of being placed in a very serious 

 position, asked me to consider the matter over, and 

 give him my advice on the subject. After much con- 

 sideration, I told him my idea was that it was better 

 for us to take no notice whatever of anything the 

 Makololos might say for a day or two. I felt certain 

 that though they might desert us the night before we 

 left the place for the lake, they would not leave be- 

 fore, and I advised that we should have a private con- 

 versation \vith Moloka, knowing the influence he had 

 over the rest, and persuade him that the best thing 

 they could do would be to stick to us, and send back 

 word to their families to retreat with our boats to 

 Shupanga, should the Mavite threaten them. We 

 should give them an order on Buckley for a fresh sup- 

 ply of ammunition in case they were attacked ; but if 

 they deserted us, of course they could not expect to 

 receive any assistance from us, so much having been 

 given them already. Mr. Young feared they would de- 

 sert at night, and take our guns with them, but I never 

 entertained such an idea, knowing how they like the 

 English, and fear their power. I also advised that 

 these ideas should not be conveyed to Moloka that 

 night. 



F 



