I knew that my deserters hoped to be fed by Mohamad Bogharib when we left the camp at Mamohela, but he told them that he would not have them; this took them aback, but they went and lifted his ivory for him, and when a parley was thus brought about, talked him over, saying that they would go to me, and do all I desired:  they never came, but, as no one else would take them, I gave them three loads to go to Bambarre; there they told Mohamad that I would not give them beads, and they did not like to steal; they were now trying to get his food by lies.  I invited them three times to come and take beads, but having supplies of food from the camp women, they hoped to get the upper hand with me, and take what they liked by refusing to carry or work.  Mohamad spoke long to them, but speaking mildly makes them imagine that the spokesman is afraid of them.  They kept away from my work and would fain join Mohamad’s, but he won’t have them.  I gave beads to all but the ringleaders.  Their conduct looks as if a quarrel had taken place between us, but no such excuse have they.

I am powerless, as they have left me, and think that they may do as they like, and the “Manyuema are bad” is the song.  Their badness consists in being dreadfully afraid of guns, and the Arabs can do just as they like with them and their goods.  If spears alone were used the Manyuema would be considered brave, for they fear no one, though he has many spears.  They tell us truly “that were it not for our guns not one of us would return to our own country.”  Moene-mokaia killed two Arab agents, and took their guns; this success led to their asserting, in answer to the remonstrances of the women, “We shall take their goats, guns, and women from them.”  The chief, in reporting the matter to Moenemger(?) at Luamo, said, “The Englishman told my people to go away as he did not like fighting, but my men were filled with ‘malofu,’ or palm-toddy, and refused to their own hurt.”  Elsewhere they made regular preparation to have a fight with Dugumbe’s people, just to see who was strongest—­they with their spears and wooden shields, and the Arabs with what in derision they called tobacco-pipes (guns).  They killed eight or nine Arabs.

No traders seem ever to have come in before this.  Banna brought copper and skins for tusks, and the Babisa and Baguha coarse beads.  The Bavira are now enraged at seeing Ujijians pass into their ivory field, and no wonder; they took the tusks which cost them a few strings of beads, and received weight for weight in beads, thick brass wire, and loads of calico.

FOOTNOTES: 

[7] Susi and Chuma say that the third tusk grew out from the base of the trunk, that is, midway between the other two.—­ED.

CHAPTER III.