116 
OUR PORTERS DESERT. 
told not to fear ; all would be returned me : ' to go 
and reside in the village of his son, where all would 
be brought/ On proceeding thither I found that the 
natives had dressed themselves out in the stolen 
clothes of our men. I felt like a prisoner ; my bright 
hopes were wrecked ; and they all laughed at me as 
I stood amongst the mob of insolent marauders jeering 
and exulting at their triumph. Very little at that 
m oment would have set things in a blaze ; but though 
honour was dear, the safety of the expedition was so 
also, and one false step would have endangered it. 
They threatened, presenting assigais at my breast; but 
though I was defenceless, my rifle in its case resting 
harmlessly on my shoulder, they did not venture to 
strike, but scattered over the place. 
Fifteen of my 55 loads were returned during the 
day; 15 of 56 porters reappeared; two Wezees were 
reported killed, but instead of finding even a trace 
of them, I came upon three others concealed in the 
grass with their loads. Myonga was said to be in- 
furiated at his people ; he had cut off the hand of 
one of his men, and promised that all, except the 
property of my porters, should be restored. The fol- 
lowing night the sultan sent, saying everything in 
his possession had been given up, but by my account 
there were still wanting six bead-loads, some cloth, my 
teapot, looking-glass, basin, pewter mug, a saw, a goat, 
&c. Every load was partially plundered; our most 
private keepings had been ruthlessly handled; and 
cases were destroyed by rocks and stones in trying to 
break them open. My porters, who had received their 
full hire to Karague, deserted ; the march was de- 
layed ; and we had all been dishonoured. On making 
