318 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
Sunday j \2th . — Storms and rain_, swamps on both sides. The 
shore could not be reached^ and our stock of firewood was exhausted. 
At seven p.m. arrived at a small hamlet of the Kytch_, and there 
remained for the night. Wood was procured_, so we went not sup- 
perless to bed. At four p.m. reached Aboo Kuka^ the place we 
had left last year on that disastrous journey. The wretched settle- 
ment was_, if possible^ worse than before. The old chiefs Jickwi_, 
came on board and expressed his joy at seeing us again^ whilst 
he lamented our changed appearance^ and we did his; he was 
evidently very ill and nearly starved. 
In reverting to the capsizing of our canoes on the lagoon^ he told 
us that amongst various objects found by the negroes after the sub- 
siding of the inundation were four elephant rifles. These were 
esteemed the most valued of their booty. The stocks were knocked 
oflT, and the heavy barrels, destined to be converted into lances, 
were taken to a smithes forge for the purpose. The barrels, loaded 
with heavy charges of powder and buckshot, were no sooner acted 
upon by the fire than an explosion took place, and seven of the 
unfortunate bystanders were killed; several others were more or 
less wounded, and Jickwi hoped our resentment for the murder of 
our men would now rest content. 
Yes,^’ was the reply, provided they did not tamper with the 
bottles, or the acids they contained might exact more victims.^^ 
April \4ith . — At dawn left Aboo Kuka, and by dint of vigorous 
rowing reached the Gaba Shambyl at sunset. Herr Binder^s men 
at this station said how generally it was believed that we had been 
murdered. 
A detention is evident here, as the nugger requires caulking. Her 
