286 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
represented liere by columns. Kitnnzi of the Katonga 
valley has sent Sambuzi, and Mkwenda, Kangau, and 
Kimbugwe have also sent sub-chiefs with hundreds of 
warriors. Before Pokino’s great army the people of 
Gambaragara retire up the slopes of their lofty snow 
mountain, and, pursuing them as far as prudence will 
permit, Pokino’s eyes view from afar the rolling grassy 
plateau of Usongora, and an immense lake stretching 
beyond, which he is told is Muta Nzige. 
Descending from the slopes of the snow mountain, he 
marches with incredible speed to Usongora, sweeps in 
with long sure arms large herds of cattle, despite the 
frantically brave natives, collects thousands of straight- 
nosed, thin -lipped, and comely women and children, and 
drives them towards Uganda. 
Several difficulties present themselves in the way. 
The plain of Usongora is covered with salt and alkali, 
which, intemperately eaten, causes many deaths ; and 
in the valleys spout up mud-springs, and from the 
summits of conical hills strange fire and smoke issue, 
and now and then the very earth utters a rumbling 
sound, and appears to shake. 
The Wanyoro, also, by thousands, combine with the 
natives of Gambaragara to dispute his return. They 
lay ambuscades for him, and obstinately harass him 
night and day. But Pokino’s spirit is up in arms. He 
defies the supernatural noises of that Land of Wonders, 
Usongora, and by skill and sagacity avoids the meshes 
laid to entrap him, and, when opportunity affords, snares 
his ambushed enemies and annihilates them, and finally 
appears in Uganda at the imperial capital with a spoil 
of cattle and slaves fit to gladden even the imperial 
heart. 
The Emperor appoints a day to receive him and his 
warriors, and, that meed may be given only to the 
brave, has caused to be brewed immense potfuls of 
potent pombe, which shall serve as a test to point out 
the brave and the coward. 
The day arrives. The Emperor is seated in unusual 
state, with his harem behind him, his chiefs on either 
