DISTRIBUTION OF PRESENTS. 623 



expedition heard of my arrival, and I was much gratified by the good-will they 

 manifested towards one who had been so stern to them on certain occasions 

 when naught but sternness of the most extreme kind would have sufficed to 

 overmaster a disposition they sometimes betrayed to be sullenly disobedient 

 and mutinous. But they remembered, as well as I did, that, though I was 

 merciless when they were disposed to be stubborn, I was kind enough to 

 them when all went fair and well ; and they knew that, when the rewards 

 were distributed, those who had behaved themselves like true men were not 

 forgotten. The report that I had come was soon bruited through the length 

 and breadth of the island, and Livingstone's and my own old dusky comrades 

 gathered quickly about my good host Mr. Sparhawk's house, to pay their 

 respects to me, and, of course, to receive heshimeh, or presents, with which, 

 fortunately, I had provided myself before leaving England. Here was 

 Ulimengo, the incorrigible joker and hunter of the Search Expedition, with 

 his mouth expanding gratefully on this day at the sight of a gold ring which 

 soon encircled one of his thick black fingers, and a silver chain which held 

 an ornament, and hung down his broad and muscular chest ; here too, was 

 Rojab, who narrowly escaped destruction for immersing Livingstone's six 

 years' journal in the muddy waters of the Mukondokwa, his ebony face 

 lighted up with the most extreme good-will towards myself for my munificent 

 gift ; and Manwas Sera also, the redoubtable ambassador of Speke and my 

 most faithful messenger, who had once braved a march of six hundred miles 

 with his companion, Sarmine, in my service, and Livingstone's most devoted 

 captain on his last journey; he was speechless with gratitude, because I had 

 hung a splendid jet necklace round his neck and encircled one of his fingers 

 with a huge seal ring, which to his mind was a sight to see and enjoy. Nor 

 was the now historical Mabruki Speke — styled by Captain Burton ' Mabruki, 

 the Bull-headed' — who has each time distinguished himself with white men 

 as a hawk-eyed guardian of their property and interests — less enraptured 

 with his presents than his fellows ; while the comely, valiant, faithful Chow- 

 pereh — the man of manifold virtues, the indomitable and sturdy Chowpereh 

 — was pleased as any with the silver dagger and gold bracelet and ear-rings 

 which fell to his share. His wife, whom I had purchased from the eternally 

 wandering slave-gang, and released from the harsh cold iron collar which 

 chafed her neck, and whom I had bestowed upon Chowpereh, as a free 

 woman for wife, was, I discovered the happy mother of a fine little boy, a 

 tiny Chowpereh, who I hope will grow up to lead future expeditions in Africa 

 and be as loyal to white men as his good father has proved himself. After 

 I had bestowed presents on his wife and child, Chowpereh, having heard 

 that I had brought a wondrous store of medicine, entreated me that I should 

 secure his son during his absence with me in Africa against any visitation of 

 the small-pox, and this I hope I have done by vaccination. 



