62 MRULI TO THE CAPITAL OF UNYORO.

that he sometimes spat on the ground before him, one of his chiefs immediately wiping up the saliva with his hand from the grass mat. Might not a like official find employment at European courts? Kabréga is cheerful, laughs readily and much, talks a great deal, and does not appear to care to be bound by ceremony—the exact opposite to Mtésa, the conceited ruler of Uganda.

The next day I was again called to the king, whom I found surrounded by ten or twelve persons. Any one who has seen the strict etiquette in Uganda could not help being greatly surprised at the nonchalance and informality of the Wanyéro, who lie about the floor chewing coffee in the king’s presence in a perfectly unceremonious manner. We had a very long interview, concerning which I would specially note the willingness with which His Majesty acceded to my requests, and also his account of what took place here during Baker’s residence.

Kabréga very readily consented to my proposition that some of his people should go with me, or rather be sent, to Khartum, to pay a visit to. the Governor-General, Gordon Pasha. My watch caused much astonishment, and I was requested to send him a loud-ticking watch after my return home. I certainly cannot charge Kabréga with begging ; on the contrary, he sent me daily, in the most hospitable manner, stores of corn, meal, mwénge, &c., which, although they were only intended to supply the wants of one day, could easily have been made to last us for a fortnight.

During my repeated visits Kabréga gave me the impression of being a thoroughly hospitable and intelligent man. Quite apart from the rich gifts of food, mwénge, bark cloths, &c.—a return for which it was impossible for me to make—he proved this in a very noteworthy manner in connexion with an incident which might have brought me into a very awkward position. Notwithstanding my strict orders that no hostile action should be taken against Kabréga by the Hgyptians during my visit to Unyoro, the soldiers in our nearest station, led by stupid, jealous officers, made a raid upon the country, and killed several of Kabréga’s people. Katagrua was sent by the king to give me this information, and to assure me at the same time that, although this occurrence was highly