THE DOLLARS. 



149 



Panga-ni, 'therefore, hearing that we were bearers 

 of a letter from the Sayyid of Zanzibar to Sultan 

 Kimwere, marked out for us the circuitous route 

 via Mtangata, where no plundering Wazegura 

 from the south of the Panga-ni river could try 

 their valour. We, on the other hand, wishing 

 to inspect that same stream, determined upon 

 proceeding by the directest line, along its left or 

 northern bank. The timid townsmen had also 

 circulated a report that we were bound for Chaga 

 and Kilima-njaro ; the Wamasai were ' out,' the 

 rains were setting in, and the}" saw us without 

 armed escort. They resolved, therefore, not to 

 accompany us; but nevertheless did each man 

 expect his gift of dollars and his bribe of in- 

 ducement. 



The expense of the journey was an even 

 more serious consideration. In these lands the 

 dollar is almighty. If it be lacking, you must 

 travel alone, unaccompanied, at least, by any but 

 blacks ; without other instrument but a pocket- 

 compass, and with few weapons. You must con- 

 form to every nauseous custom ; you will be sub- 

 jected at the most interesting points to perpetual 

 stoppages ; the contents of your note-book will 

 be well-nigh worthless ; and unless you be one 

 in a million, you may make up your mind that 



