GAUARONGA, THE GREAT CHIEF 167 



Lelis from more direct impositions from the Sultan — 

 he will fine them for any slight or misconduct, and they 

 are obliged to send out to their property and raise 

 money as best they may. 



When we returned to the men's quarters, and the 

 biscuit-tin gate had clanged behind us, shutting the 

 women into isolation, we found Captain Lucas and Mr 

 Talbot slowly munching kola-nuts, which they both 

 disliked very much, but felt obliged to eat lest a refusal 

 might displease their royal host. 



Nothing was offered to us, our sex debarring us from 

 the privilege. This was a sad disappointment, for 

 great hopes had been held out to us at Fort Lamy, 

 and we had pictured ourselves nibbling delicious 

 pigeons skewered on a stick, one end of which we 

 should have held delicately in our fingers. 



Churoma and Ngarh Moriba, his half-brother, came 

 in to look at us, and the respect with which they 

 approached their father was very impressive. At first 

 he paid no attention to them, and they stood quietly 

 in the background till with a wave of his hand the 

 Sultan gave permission that they should be seated on 

 the ground, 



Churoma has an unpleasing face. He is an unin- 

 telligent, heavy youth of about seventeen, and seems 

 suspicious of everyone. Perhaps this is due to his six 

 months' visit to France, where he has learnt to deride 

 his own people and their customs without getting a 

 clear idea of anything better. Moriba, on the other 

 hand, looks full of life and spirit, and as sharp as a 

 needle. 



Gauaronga showed some pride in his possessions, 

 and was easily persuaded to show us two fine suits 



