182 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
cup, ag large as a quart measure, and cut out of a 
symmetrically shaped gourd. Kaduma is now seated 
on a favourite low stool, and folds his greasy Sohari 
cloth about him, while the elders are seated on either 
side of him on wood chips, or axe handles, or rocks. 
The foaming jar is ready, and the dusky Ganymede 
attentive. Kaduma stretches out his hand languidly — ■ 
it is all affectation, for Kaduma is really thirsty — and 
Ganymede, with both hands, presents the cup kneeling. 
The pombe' being broached, the valves of the “ sliauri ” 
are opened. During the hour devoted to the consump- 
tion of the pombe, Kaduma may be said to be rational, 
and even interested in business. Withal he is gay, 
light-hearted, and pleasant in conversation ; grand 
projects are hinted at ; trading expeditions even as far 
as Ujiji suggested ; a trip to Unyanyembe and Zanzibar 
appears to be in serious contemplation with him. But, 
alas ! the pombe is ended. Kaduma goes to sleep. 
At three o’clock he expands again into a creature of 
intelligence. Two or three pots are exhausted between 
3 and 6 p.m., and finally Kaduma reels to his cot like 
the inebriated sot he really is. Alas ! for the virtues 
of a naturally intelligent nature drowned by such 
intemperance ! Alas ! for the fine attributes of manhood 
conquered by vile indulgences ! Alas ! for the brains 
muddled by such impurities ! 
It will be apparent, then, that, though the Prince 
of Kagehyi is a well-meaning and well-disposed creature, 
he possessed an infirmity that rendered him incapable 
of rendering me that service which he had himself 
suggested to me. He promised that he would accompany 
me in my exploration of Lake Victoria ! It is to be 
doubted, after acquiring such a knowledge of his 
character, whether his intentions could be fulfilled. 
Yet he informed me that he had visited Ukerewe, 
Ururi, and Ugeyeya, and would, for a consideration, 
place himself at my disposal. The consideration was 
ready, but Kaduma, unfortunately for me, I saw, could 
not be ready within a decade ! Hopes of his assistance 
and influence were therefore relinquished ; and, since 
