100 THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



LEAVING UGANDA. 



ON returning home from the palace, the evening before their 

 departure, one of the king's wives overtook Speke and Grant, 

 walking, with her hands clasped at the back of her head, to 

 execution, crying "N'yawo!" in the most pitiful manner. A 

 man preceded her, but did not touch her ; for she loved to obey 

 the orders of her king voluntarily, and, in consequence of pre- 

 vious attachment, was permitted, as a mark of distinction, to 

 walk free. Wondrous world ! it had not been ten minutes since 

 they had parted from the king, yet he had found time to transact 

 this bloody piece of business. 



The next day they repaired early to the palace to make their 

 final adieus, and after a very friendly reception they arose to 

 depart, the white men making English bows and placing their 

 hands upon their hearts, Mtesa instantly imitating whatever they 

 did, with the mimicking instincts of a monkey. The king and 

 his entire court followed them to their own camp, where Mtesa 

 expressed a wish to have a final look at Speke' s men, and he 

 accordingly ordered them to turn out with their arms and 

 "n'yansig" for the many favors they had received. Mtesa, 

 much pleased, complimented them on their goodly appearance, 

 remarking that with such a force Speke would have no difficulty 

 in reaching his destination, and exhorted them to follow him 

 through fire and water ; then, exchanging adieus again, he walked 

 ahead in gigantic strides up the hill, the pretty favorite of his 

 harem, Lubuga beckoning and waving with her little hands, 

 and crying "Banal Bana ! " trotting after him conspicuous 

 among the rest, though all showed a little feeling at the severance. 



