50 



FROM THE COAST TO KILIMANJARO 



and with the weight of the loads. This first speaker did not 

 seem to meet the approval of those he represented, so out 

 stepped another and made the same complaint, winding up, 

 however, by sa3dng that they all meant to go back to Zanzibar, 

 an assertion confirmed, when the second spokesman concluded 

 his harangue, by a general howl from the bystanders. 



Threatening as was the scene, we did not fear any overt act 

 of violence, and felt sure that, even if any were attempted, a few 

 lashes from a whip would bring the men to their senses. As, 

 however, most of the mutineers were still muddled with drink, 

 we thought it best to stay our hands for the present and try 

 what words would do. So Count Teleki contented himself with 

 replying that if they really wanted to go to Zanzibar he would 

 himself lead them there, and give them over to the Sultan to be 

 punished. The quiet manner in which the Count spoke led 

 the rebels to think at first that their cause was 'won, and this 

 made the howls of disappointment the louder when he con- 

 cluded his speech, especially as he rose at the last words and 

 advanced upon the spokesman as if to seize him. Eaging like 

 a lot of devils let loose, and even firing their guns, the men 

 drew off to the village, from which mad cries continued to 

 reach us. 



As long as it was only powder that they discharged we 

 did not mind ; but presently we heard the patter of shot, and 

 some foliage from the trees fell upon our tents. The joke was 

 being carried too far now, so we at once seized our own 

 weapons and called to the Somal guard — who had taken no 

 share whatever in the disturbance — to disarm the men, and in 

 case of any resistance to fire upon them. Of course we did 

 not mean to proceed to extremities if we could help it, but the 

 order did not fail to have the desired effect. Peace was restored, 

 and the guides interceded for the Zanzibari, declaring that the 

 whole affair w^as but the sport of saucy, overgrown children, 



