even prouder in the possession o f a gun than
he was o f his rank, for frequently the Mtongoleh
o f the bodyguard has only the empty name to
boast of.
However, being Mtongoleh (or colonel), he
was liable to be despatched at a moment’s notice
to distant parts o f the Empire on special service,
and the day came finally when Magassa was
chosen.
Imagine a young British subaltern despatched
b y the Queen’s command, specially chosen by
the Queen for special service. How the young
heart palpitates, and the nerves tingle with
delight! He spurns the ground, and his head
aspires to the stars! If a young British officer
feels so jo yfu l at a constitutional sovereign’s
choice, what must the elect o f a despotic autocrat
like the Emperor o f Uganda feel?
Ho sooner has he left the imperial presence
with the proud command ringing in his ears
than his head seems to swell, and almost bursts
from delirious vertigo. His back, hitherto bent
through long servile dread, has suddenly become
rigid and straight as the staff o f his spear, and
an unusual sternness o f face has somehow replaced
the bland smiles which hitherto decked
it. For is he not “ K ab a k a ” while on the Emperor’s
errand? Do not his soldiers respond to
him when summoned with aweful alacrity, saying,
“ Kabak a-” . (Emperor), “ behold u s ” ?
W o e to the party from whom offence came
if young Magassa was sent with his warriors to
them! And w o e to the warrior who committed
any b r e a c h o f discipline when under Magassa’s
command, or even to him who crossed his h u mour
when on the ¡march on special service.
Magassa’s spear was sharp and swift, and his
hands were at all times quick it® gather ¡spoil,
and soon it was observed that the poor Magassa
was getting rich in slaves, waxing grea t in name,
and becoming exceedingly influential at court.
Promotions rewarded his adroitness and quick
execution o f commands; lands o f h is ¡own and
bounties o f slaves and cattle were bestowed
upon him, until Magassa became a Mkumgu, o r
chief, o f the second order.
Such a spirit a s Magassa possessed, however,
could not long remain satisfied with this, while
many above him could n o t b o a st o f a tithe «of
his deftness and ability, and were blind to observe
and forestall th e humours o f the d e sp o tic
monarch; and a day came when a Mkungu o f
the first order, named Pokino, offended Mtesa.
Casting his e y e s about for a fit man to succeed
him, Mtesa’s eyes lighted on the sparkling,
bright face o f Magassa, and his decision was at
once made.
“ Here, Magassa,” cried the Emperor, and the
accomplished courtier fell at his feet to the
ground to hear his command. “ Haste, Magassa,