CHAP. XIV.] 
KAMRASFS REQUEST. 
395 
descent from the Gallas ; both upon this and other 
occasions he and his people denied all knowledge of 
their ancient history. 
He informed me that Cliopi had also revolted after 
the death of Cherrybambi, and that he had reconquered 
it only ten or twelve years ago, but that even now the 
natives were not to be trusted, as many had leagued 
with Fowooka and Eionga, whose desire was to annex 
Chopi and to form a separate kingdom : these chiefs 
had possession of the river islands, which strongholds 
it was impossible to attack without guns, as the rapids 
were so dangerous that canoes could only approach by 
a certain passage. 
Kamrasi expressed his determination to kill both 
of the refractory chiefs, as he would have no rest during 
their lives; he disclaimed all relationship with Eionga, 
who had been represented to Speke as his brother, and 
he concluded by requesting me to assist him in an 
attack upon the river islands, promising that if I should 
kill Fowooka and Eionga he would give me a large 
portion of his territory. 
He suggested that I should stand upon a high cliff 
that commanded Fowooka s island; from that point I 
could pick off not only the chief, but all his people, by 
firing steadily with the little double twenty-four rifle; 
he continued even farther, “ that if I were too ill to go 
myself, I should lend him my little Fletcher 24 rifle, 
give him my men to assist his army, and he would 
pick off Eionga himself from the cliff above the river: 
this was his mild way of securing the rifle which he 
had coveted ever since my arrival in his country. I 
told him plainly that I could not mix myself up with 
his quarrels ; that I travelled with only one object, of 
doing good, and that I would harm no one unless in 
self defence, therefore I could not be the aggressor ; 
but that should Fowooka and Eionga attack his position 
I should be most happy to lend my aid to repel them. 
Far from appreciating my ideas of fair play, he im¬ 
mediately rose from his chair, and without taking 
