478 Wanderings in Eastern Africa. 
great man, and not to be looked upon by the like of 
you. Let him alone! Make way ! make way ! Begone! 
begone!" He menaced them with his stick, but 
without much effect. The crowd moved aside care- 
lessly, but even the younger people turned round and 
laughed at the old man. 
The next morning we gave the chief our small 
present, which appeared to please him ; yet, African 
like, he begged for something more. I tried to 
explain to him my missionary character ; but after 
listening to a few words, he proposed to break up the 
palaver, the subject evidently being distasteful to 
him. 
On Sunday I made some further attempts to preach 
the gospel, but neither Maina nor the people came to 
listen to me. On the 25th I should have left Bura, 
but I consented to remain that day by the earnest 
entreaty of the chief, who said he wished to see more 
of me, etc., etc. Instead, however, of favouring me 
with his company, he gave himself up to drinking the 
whole day, and I did not catch a sight "of him. In 
the evening I sent a messenger to say that I should 
leave without fail on the morrow. 
Early on the following morning we accordingly 
packed up. Just as we were about to leave, some 
one was heard calling to the guide from the jungle. 
It was Maina, who had come to see us off, but was 
ashamed to show himself, yet presently ventured into 
our presence. Poor old man ! he is almost in his 
dotage. Expressing my displeasure at the manner 
in which he had treated me, he begged me not to be 
angry, said he wished to part with me in peace, and 
asked if I would not visit Bura again. He then called 
