Chap, XLIIL THE ADVENTUROUS CHIEFTAIN. 181 
a very small degree of art and industry, will open 
an easy access into the heart of Central Africa. Of 
course, after the rainy season, when all these countless 
watercourses, which intersect the country in every di- 
rection, and without any apparent inclination, inun- 
date the country, the climate in the plains cannot 
be very healthy ; but isolated mountains and hills 
are scattered by the hand of nature through these 
luxuriant plains, capable of affording more healthy 
localities for settlements. 
Owing to the presence of the adventurer just 
mentioned, the conversation that evening was very 
animated, till at length the courtiers, or " kokanawa," 
withdrew behind the curtains of the vizier's tent, in 
order to take a little refreshment. I then took my 
leave ; but I had only gone a short distance when I 
was called back, being informed that it would no 
doubt be interesting to me to witness an audience of 
A'dishen, the Musgu chief, who was just about to pay 
his respects to the commander-in-chief. I therefore 
returned to the vizier's tent, where the courtiers had 
again taken their post, according to their rank and 
station, on each side of their leader. 
After a short time the Miisgu chief arrived, ac. 
companied by his three brothers, mounted, as is 
their custom, upon horses without saddle or bridle. 
Great numbers of people had collected in front of the 
tent, and saluted him with scoffs and importunities ; 
but the pagan chief did not allow himself to be put out 
of countenance by the insolence of the slaves, but pre- 
H 3 
