366 
CONVERSATION WITH THE CHIEFTAINS. 
13 July, 
To this, his answer, or rather that of the interpreter, was simply, 
" That is the same." By which he meant to say, that I was at 
hberty to stay as long as it pleased me, or to depart whenever I 
chose. He thus, by confining his reply to my last words, cunningly 
avoided giving at our first meeting, any opinion on the other parts 
of my speech. 
The surrounding multitude were in the highest degree attentive 
to all we said ; the eyes of every individual were fixed upon me, and 
examined me with the utmost curiosity. As I thought I could per- 
ceive satisfaction in their countenances, I felt perfectly at ease ; but 
could not, on viewing the assembly and snatching in the midst of 
these transactions a moment to reflect on my situation, a solitary 
Englishman wandering among lawless nations in the heart of Africa, 
to gratify a desire of beholding human nature in its uncivilized state, 
I could not but feel sensible of the risk I incurred. 
After sitting thus for about ten minutes, the Chief rose and left 
the circle, Serrakutu ordering the crowd to make way for him ; 
which they instantly did, without confusion or noise. All the rest 
remained in their places, and a conversation of the same nature as 
before, was renewed between the kosies. A few trifling questions 
were put to me, who in my turn put others of as little importance ; 
asking if they had many elephants and camelopards in their country, 
and if there was much game to be found in the vicinity of the town. 
At some intervals little was spoken by any one ; the attention of all 
being engaged in watching every motion I made, and in observing 
my features. 
In five minutes the Chief returned. The crowd opened a passage 
for him, as before ; but no one rose or quitted his seat : he stepped 
between the chieftains, and took his place within the circle. He had 
risen and gone into the house, for the purpose of fetching a small 
calabash, of milk ; which, as soon as he was seated, he offered to 
me. He said nothing, but intimated by his motions and looks 
that it was presented as a testimony of friendly feeling towards 
me. Accordingly, I took a part of it ; during which ceremony, 
Serrakutu, Mollemmi, and Muchunka, continued talking, while the 
