200 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
a mile and a half on our right or to the east of us. In 
our mildest accents we hailed them, and, after a 
protracted interval employed by them in curiously 
scanning us, they permitted us to hear the sound of 
their voices. But nothing would induce them to come 
nearer than about 100 yards. In the midst of these 
vain efforts to win their confidence, a canoe similar in 
form and colour to that which had won our admiration 
at Muiwanda advanced towards us A false prow 
projected upward, curving in the shape of a bent elbow, 
from the tip of which to the top of the bow of the 
canoe was strung a taut line, and along this was 
suspended 'some fine grass, which waved like a man as 
she charged up, bold and confident, propelled by forty 
paddlers. Half of this number, who were seated 
forward, sprang up when they came within fifty yards, 
and, seizing long tufted lances and shields, began to 
sway them menacingly. As we made no demonstration 
of resistance, they advanced cautiously, and when 
within twenty yards, swerved aside, wheeling round us 
in a defiant style. 
Finally we broke silence, and demanded who they 
were, and why they came up as though they would 
attack us. As they did not understand either King- 
wana, Kisukuma, or Kinyamwezi, one of my boatmen 
attempted Kiganda, a little of which they appeared 
to understand ; and by this means we opened a con- 
versation. They edged towards us a little nearer, and 
ended by ranging their long canoe alongside of our 
boat. Our tame, mild manners were in striking 
contrast to their bullying, overbearing, and insolent 
demeanour. The paddlers, half of whom were intoxi- 
cated, laid their hands with familiar freedom upon 
everything. We still smiled, and were bis mild and 
placable as though anger and resentment could never 
enter our hearts. We were so courteous, indeed, that 
we permitted them to handle our persons with a degree 
of freedom which to them appeared unaccountable — 
unless we were so timid that we feared to give offence. 
If we had been so many sheep, we could not have 
