336 



ACROSS AFRICA. 



[Chap. 



May, 



1875. 



ing only a few yards from the one where the conflagration 

 originated. He first seized his rifle and cartridges, and then, 

 seeing the rapidly spreading flames, left every thing he pos- 

 sessed to be destroyed, and rushed to my tent, to endeavor to 

 save as much as possible. 



The books were bundled into my blankets, and although the 

 tent had ignited before we were all out, its contents were saved. 

 The tent itself was burned, but my precious journals, books, 

 and instruments were rescued, thanks to the presence of mind 

 and exertions of Jumah, Hamees Ferhan, and one or two oth- 

 ers. While we were clearing out the tent I asked Jumah if his 

 kit was safe. He replied, '■'-Potelea mhali; yonya mabooku^'' 

 (let it be d — d ; save the books). 



In twenty minutes the whole affair was over, and then Bom- 

 bay turned up with a piteous story of having his rifle and pis- 

 tol burned. The old sinner only looked after his own kit, and 

 really did nothing himself, but actually appropriated men to 

 his service who should have been assisting at rescuing my tent 

 and its contents. 



Alvez's people took advantage of the confusion to commit 

 many robberies, for which no redress was ever offered or re- 

 ceived, while for the destruction of a few of their huts I had a 



KASONGO 8 UOaSK. 



