242 Wanderings in Eastern Africa, 
to me, when all was over, saying with emphasis, 
Hirebaya is a thief." Aba Rufat and I set out up 
stream again, at two p.m., leaving Malau, who pre- 
tended that he had some business in band and would 
shortly follow us, behind. We soon learned, however, 
that he had no idea of following us, being afraid that 
the Gallas would call him to account for the nefarious 
part he had been playing. 
On the 1 8th, as soon as the sun had in some 
measure driven the mosquitos to their retreats, we 
went up the river and across the lake once more. 
We were again first, but were not kept waiting 
long. Soon the sable chiefs appeared, bringing us 
another steer. In an hour after our arrival business 
was once more commenced. To-day we sat in the 
council for some time, not, however, because we 
were invited, but simply from the fact that it took up 
its position where we were sitting, and we were not 
asked to retire. Some time after the rest Hirebaya 
made his appearance, at which a general movement 
took place among the company, and ''Hirebaya! 
Hirebaya ! Hirebaya was uttered by every man of 
the party. I presume this was a mark of respect. He 
passed quietly through the assembly and took his seat 
behind the chief men, but looked very much hke a 
man who had got to answer for having done some- 
thing amiss. He said nothing while we remained. 
Aba Rufat made the first speech, which was of con- 
siderable length, and in which he gave an account of 
the discovery he had made of the hidden goods, etc. 
All was spoken and listened to with a coolness quite 
extraordinary. Other men then made speeches, but 
we grew tired and hungry, so, leaving them, we went 
