414 
TRAVELS m AFRICA. 
Chap. L. 
The whole of my speech, which I made in Arabic, 
was translated, phrase for phrase, by my blind friend 
Sambo, who occasionally gave me a hint when he 
thought I spoke in too strong terms. The parcel 
containing my presents was then brought forward, 
and placed before me, in order that I might open it 
myself and explain the use of each article. 
While exhibiting the various articles, I did not 
neglect to make the watch strike repeatedly, which 
created the greatest astonishment and surprise among 
the spectators, who had never seen or heard any- 
thing like it. I then added, in conclusion, that it 
was my sincere wish, after having remained in this 
country nearly four months, confined and watched 
like a prisoner, to return to Kiikawa without any 
further delay, as I had a great deal of business there, 
and at the present moment was entirely destitute of 
means ; but that if he would guarantee me full 
security, and if circumstances should permit, I my- 
self, or my companion, would return at a later period. 
Such a security having been promised to me, and the 
whole of my speech having been approved of, I went 
away. 
I had scarcely returned to my quarters when the 
two relations of Maina Belademi, Maina Kanadi and 
Sabun, called upon me, with a very mysterious coun- 
tenance, and, after some circumlocution, made known 
the grave errand upon which they had been sent, 
which was to ask whether I had not a cannon with 
me ; and when I expressed my astonishment at 
