270 



THE LAKE REGIONS OF CENTRAL AFRICA. 



it lasted little more than half its period in the north. 

 In the sparse cultivation, surrounded by dense bush, 

 they were rarely able to ration oftener than once a 

 week. They were hospitably received by Kimanu, the 

 Jyari or Sultan of Ubena. His people, though fierce 

 and savage, appeared pleased by the sight of strangers. 

 The Wabena wore a profusion of beads, and resembled 

 in dress, diet, and lodging the Warori ; they were brave 

 to recklessness, and strictly monarchical, swearing by 

 their chief. The Warori, however, were the cleaner 

 race ; they washed and bathed, whilst the Wabena used 

 the same fluid to purify teeth, face, and hands. 



At Ubena the caravan made considerable profits in 

 slaves and ivory. The former, mostly captured or kid- 

 napped, were sold for four to six fundo of beads, and, 

 merchants being rare, a large stock was found on hand. 

 About 800 were purchased, as each Pagazi or porter 

 could afford one at least. On the return-march, how- 

 ever, half of the property deserted. The ivory, which 

 rather resembled the valuable article procured at Ka- 

 ragwah than the poor produce of Unyanyembe, sold at 

 35 to 70 fundo of yellow and other coloured beads per 

 frasilah of 35 lbs. Cloth was generally refused, and 

 the kitindi or wire armlets were useful only in purchasing 

 provisions. 



On its return the caravan, following for eighteen stages 

 the right bank of the Rwaha River, met with an un- 

 expected misfortune. They were nighting in a broad 

 fiumara called Bonye, a tributary from the southern 

 highlands to the main artery, when suddenly a roar 

 and rush of waters fast approaching and the cries 

 of men struck them with consternation. In the con- 

 fusion which ensued 150 souls, for the most part slaves, 

 and probably ironed or corded together, were carried 



