98 
THOMAS J. COMBER. 
chiefs, through Cozinheiro, how I have returned 
according to promise, that others are with me, that 
we are living at San Salvador, and that we sent four 
ambassadors (Sabbi being one) with a present for 
Susu-Mpemba, and one for Bwaka-Mata (a chief 
beyond). I have now come to visit him ; not to sleep 
in his town unless he wishes. The truth about our 
former ambassadors now leaks out. The present we 
sent to Bwaka-Mata was appropriated in part by the 
King of Congo, and in part by the ambassadors ; 
while that for Susu-Mpemba was delivered in the 
name of the King of Congo. They all seemed dis- 
gusted and angry at the petty treachery, and speak 
wrathfully about Totola, King of Congo ; but were 
most angry with Sabbi, the ambassador (as represent- 
ing the King of Congo), for his deception, and also 
because he has brought us to Tungwa again. They 
shower invective upon him, and the chiefs spit at his 
face and draw their hands significantly across their 
throats. One man runs at him with a stick, and 
another takes up his gun. I protect Sabbi with my 
arm, and observe that, as he drinks some water from 
a bottle close by, he is in a profuse perspiration from 
terror. Cozinheiro explains that they want to kill 
him, and I rise and plead that it is not altogether his 
fault ; that he acted under other instructions. After 
more than three hours’ palaver, during which they 
frequently retire for consultation, I am told that, 
much as they would personally like to see me, our com- 
ing before had brought them into so much trouble 
with neighbouring chiefs, who said Susu-Mpemba 
was always calling the white man to his town (the 
said white man wanting to take the country), that we 
must not come. Also that I must not keep saying all 
over the country that Susu-Mpemba was my friend, 
because this statenient was always bringing him into 
trouble. They say little, however to me ; but 
threaten strongly Sabbi, and with much vociferation, 
put a bullet into his hand to bear to Totola, saying 
