302 PRONOUNCED TO BE SPEKE'S BROTHER, [chap. x, 
his headman with a large force, including some of 
Spekes deserters. They are to inspect me, and report 
whether I am really a white man and an Englishman. 
If so, I believe we are to proceed; if not, I suppose we 
are to be exterminated. Lest there should be any 
mistake I have taken all necessary precautions; but, 
having only eight men on this side the river, I shall 
be certain to lose my baggage in the event of a dis¬ 
turbance, as no one could transport it to the canoe. 
“ Jan. 29th. —Plantains, sweet potatoes, and eggs 
supplied in great quantities. The natives are much 
amused at our trying the eggs in water before pur¬ 
chase. Plantains, three for one small bead. The 
headman is expected to-day. A polite message arrived 
last night from Kamrasi inviting us to his capital, and 
apologizing for being unable to come in person. This 
morning the force, sent by Kamrasi, is reported to be 
within an hours march of Atada. 
“In mid-day the headman arrived with a great 
number of men, accompanied by three of Speke's 
deserters, one of whom has been created a chief by 
Kamrasi, and presented with two wives. 
“I received them standing; and after thorough 
inspection I was pronounced to be £ Speke’s own 
brother,’ and all were satisfied. However, the busi¬ 
ness was not yet over : plenty of talk, and another 
delay of four days, was declared necessary until the 
king should reply to the satisfactory message about 
to be sent. Losing all patience, I stormed, declaring 
Kamrasi to be mere dust; while a white man was 
a king in comparison. I ordered all my luggage to 
be conveyed immediately to the canoe, and declared 
that I would return immediately to my own country ; 
that I did not wish to see any one so utterly devoid 
of manners as Kamrasi, and that no other white man 
would ever visit his kingdom. 
“ The effect was magical! I rose hastily to depart. 
The chiefs implored, declaring that Kamrasi would 
kill them all if I retreated : to prevent which mis- 
