THE WANYORO AOAIN. 37 three hours from Mruli. At this time of the year, the whole distance from this river, as far as Mruli, is one vast swamjp. Fortunate for us it was that such is the case, for on the other side of the river was a large camp containing some 800 huts, occupied by Kabrega's men. As soon as they saw us they began to beat the war-drum, and exhibited unmistakable signs of an intense desire to come to closer quarters with us. In this wish, however, we were not at one with them ; conjecturing that a nearer acquaintance with them would not be likely to add to our pleasures, but might be a cause of some discomfort. Wherefore we quickened our pace as much as possible, though of course the cattle were " impedimenta," and the ground was difficult.

Kabrega's men had only very few canoes, so they could not get at us, and finding it a case of sour grapes, they began to pour on us a shower of abuse from the other side. But hard words break no bones, and we pursued our way philosophically indifferent to the strong language indulged in by the disappointed warriors, whom we soon left far behind.

As we were approaching Mruli I sent on a boy runner to announce to the Mudir that I was near at hand ; but he lost his percussion-caps on the road, and so could not give the salute ; and, being afraid to go up to the fort without this signal, he waited for us. My men had tied my Union Jack to the top of a tall spear, but it was not seen at Mruli until we