THE GOVERNOR OF MOMBASA. 
29 
we sat down, surrounded by the principal Arabs of 
the town, and became special objects of interest to a 
crowd of loafers now peering through the window 
gratings. These latter, from the eager way in which 
they endeavoured to catch every syllable uttered, were 
evidently the “local reporters,” who, no doubt, would 
spread the result of our audience throughout the town 
directly the interview was over. 
After the inevitable coffee and sherbet, we proceeded 
to business, and were disappointed to learn the Gover¬ 
nor had no men ready, the excuse being that the “ order 
was not accompanied by a remittance.” In reality, I 
think he was afraid that any Mombasa contingent 
would desert us, and that he would be subsequently 
called to account by us, and by the Sultan, for not 
having supplied more reliable material. He arranged, 
however, at once, to do his best, and set a few Arabs 
at work to collect the necessary number, which, of 
course, entailed delay. After salaaming the Governor, 
we paid a visit to Mr. Shaw, the missionary of Frere- 
town, who lives in a little white house surrounded by 
palm trees situated at the further end of Mombasa 
harbour. He politely invited us to remain to luncheon, 
and while this was being prepared we called upon 
the Bishop, who was just starting for Rabai, another 
mission station situated seventeen miles further up the 
creek. He received us very kindly, and invited us to 
occupy the Vice-Consul's house during our stay at 
Mombasa. 
B- and I then went for a little stroll through 
