CHAP. X.] 
AVARICE OF TEE KING . 
313 
him that he had deceived me by saying that the lake 
was so distant as six months' journey, as I knew that 
it was only ten days. He rudely answered, 4 G-o, if 
you like; but don't blame me if you can't get back; 
it is twenty days' march ; you may believe it or not* 
as you choose.' To my question as to the means of 
procuring porters, he gave no reply, except by asking 
for my sword, and for my beautiful little Fletcher 
rifle." 
44 1 retired to my hut in disgust. This afternoon a 
messenger arrived from the king with twenty-four 
small pieces of straw, cut into lengths of about four 
inches. These he laid carefully in a row, and explained 
that Speke had given that number of presents, whereas 
I had only given ten, the latter figure being carefully 
exemplified by ten pieces of straw; he wished to know 
4 why I did not give him the same number as he had 
received from Speke ?' This miserable, grasping, lying 
coward, is nevertheless a king, and the success of my 
expedition depends upon him." 
44 Feb. 20th .—Cloudy as usual; neither sun, moon, 
nor stars will show themselves. Fortunately milk can 
be procured here. I live upon butter-milk. Kam- 
rasi came, and gave twenty elephants' tusks as a pre¬ 
sent to Ibrahim. There is a report that Debono's 
people, under the command of Ras-Galla, are once 
more at Rionga's; this has frightened him awfully." 
44 Feb. 21 st .—This morning Kamrasi was civil enough 
to allow us to quit the marsh, the mosquito-nest and 
fever-bed where we have been in durance, and we 
crossed to the other side of the Kafoor river, and quar¬ 
tered in M'rooli. I went to see him, and after a long 
consultation, he promised to send me to the lake to¬ 
morrow. I immediately took off my sword and belt, 
and presented them to him, explaining that, as I was 
now convinced of his friendship, I had a pleasure in 
offering my sword as a proof of my amicable feeling, 
as I thus placed the weapon of self-defence in his hand, 
and I should trust to his protection. As a proof of 
