110 THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 



who was exceedingly anxious to return home, that he sent a mes- 

 sage to Kamrasi reminding him of his deceptive promises, and 

 declaring that unless he was permitted to depart at once he would 

 return all the presents the king had given him and regard his ac- 

 tions as hostile. Upon receiving this message Kamrasi was 

 much concerned, and sent Speke a present of a dwarf called 

 Kimenya, thinking to thus allay his wrath. This dwarf was less 

 than a yard in height, had many deformities, and walked with a 

 cane much taller than himself. He made himself quite familiar 

 with the travelers, and amused them by dancing, singing and 



THE FROLICSOME DWARF. 



performing many queer antics, ending by giving the charging- 

 march and asking for 500 beads. The colored beads were given 

 him, and he was then sent back to the king, because no possible 

 use could be made of him. 



Two days more were spent persuading Kamrasi to consent to 

 a departure of the expedition, but to all requests he returned 

 some cunning reply : it was impossible to get his men together 

 so soon ; or, he was fearful lest they should fall into the hands 

 of savages, who had already threatened to exterminate the white 

 travelers ; or, that the weather was unfavorable, and a dozen 



