great object, and bere seemed to be an opportunity. We
now ventured on a plump application for boats that we
migbt feel our way to Gani by water, supposing the lake
and river to be navigable all tbe way; and begged Kit-
iinzi migbt be appointed to accompany us, in order tbat
whatever was done migbt be done all with good effect in
opening up a new line of commerce, by which articles of
European manufacture might find a permanent route to
Uganda. It was “ no go,” however. The appeal, though
listened to, and commented on, showing that it was well
understood, got no direct reply. It was not my policy to
make our object appear too important to ourselves, so I
had to appear tolerably indifferent, and took the opportunity
to ask for my paint-box, which he had borrowed for a
day and had kept in his possession for months. I got no
answer to that request either, but was immediately dunned
for the compass, which had been promised on Grant’s
arrival. Now, with a promise that the compass would be
sent him in the morning, he said he would see what
pombe his women could spare u s ; and, bidding good
evening, walked away.
29th.—I sent Bombay with the compass, much to the
delight of the king, who no sooner saw it than he jumped
and woh-wohed with intense excitement at the treasure
he had gained, said it was the greatest present Bana had
ever given him, for it was the thing by which he found
out all the roads and countries—it was, in fact, half his
knowledge; and the parting with it showed plainly that
Bana entertained an everlasting friendship for him. The
king then called Maula, and said, “Maiila, indeed you
have spoken the truth; there is nothing like this instrument,”
&c. &e., repeating what he had already told
Bombay. In the evening, the king, accompanied by all
his brothers, with iron chair and box, came to visit us,
and inspected all Grant’s recently brought pictures of the
natives, with great acclamation. We did not give him
anything this time, but, instead, dunned him for the
paint-box, and afterwards took a walk to my observatory
hill, where I acted as guide. On the summit of this hill
the king instructed his brothers on the extent of his
dominions; and as I asked where Liibari or God resides,
he pointed to the skies.
30th.—The king at last sent the paint-box, with some
birds of his own shooting, which he wished painted.
He also wanted himself drawn, and all Grant’s pictures
copied. Then, to wind up these mild requests, a demand
was made for more powder, and that all our guns be sent
to the palace for inspection.
3 1 si.—I drew a large white and black hombill and a
green pigeon sent by himself; but he was not satisfied;
he sent more birds, and wanted to see my shoes. The
pages who came with the second message, however, proving
impertinent, got a book flung at their heads, and a
warning to be off, as I intended to see the king myself,
and ask for food to keep my ever-complaining Wangiiana
quiet. Proceeding to the palace, as I found Mtesa had
gone out shooting, I called on the Eamraviona, complained
that my camp was starving, and as I had nothing
left to give the king, said I wished to leave the country.
Ashamed of its being supposed that his king would not
give me any food because I had no more presents to give
him, the Kamraviona, from his own stores, gave me a
goat and pombe, and said he would speak to the king on
the subject.
drew for the king a picture of a guinea-fowl
which he shot in the early morning, and proceeded on a
visit with Grant to the queen’s, accompanied only by
seven men, as the rest preferred foraging for themselves,
to the chance of picking up a few plantains at her majesty’s.
After an hour’s waiting, the queen received us
with smiles, and gave pombe and plantains to her new
visitor, stating pointedly she had none for me. There