the opposite bank eight canoes were seen to
dash swiftly down river, disappearing most mysteriously
from view. There being no necessity
for us to seek acquaintance with people who
appeared to think it undesirable, we did not
attempt to disturb them, but, clinging to the
left bank, cautiously approached the rapids of
Ukassa. These were caused by a ledge of greenish
shale, mixed with ironstone and pudding
rock, projecting from the Ukassa Hills on the
right bank. The hospital was warned in-shore,
while I dropped down, as near as possible, to
the rapids and there landed.
The land division was requested to encamp
for the day abreast the rapids, while, selecting
ten stout young fellows, in addition to the boat’s
crew, I proceeded to explore along the river;
but, before departing, I gave the strictest orders
to Frank and Manwa Sera that upon no account
should any one be permitted to move from the
camp until I returned.
The rapids were parted by a couple of two
long rocky islets running parallel and separated
from each other and the left bank by two
narrow streams, which descended into a quiet,
creek-like portion of the river after a fall of
10 feet within half a mile, but on the eastern
side the river was of a breadth of 800 yards,
and descended with a furious whirl for the distance
of a mile and a half, where it was joined
rNov. 27, >876.1 DANGEROUS d i s o b e d ie n c e .
L Ukassa Falls. J
by the quiet flowing creek, ©a the left or western
side.W
e continued our inspection of the shore and
river for about two miles, where we very nearly
fell into an ambuscade.. In a. little creek, hidden
by high overhanging banks,, densely clothed,
were some forty or fifty small canoes, the crews
all seated, silent, and. watching the river. We
instantly retreated without disturbing their watchful
attitude, and hurried to camp.
On arriving at the boat, I was alarmed at
hearing that Frank had? permitted Manwa Sera,
the chief, and five others, to. detach two of the
hospital-cano es, and to descend the great rapids.
As this was a suicidal act, I felt my blood run
cold, and then recollecting the ambuscade in
the creek, I lost no time in selecting fifty men
and retracing our steps.
When we reached the creek,, we ascertained,
it to be empty. I then offered high rewards to-
the first scout who sighted the Wangwana.
Uledi andShumari, his brother, gave wild yells,
and dashed forward like antelopes through the
jungle, Saywa (their cousin) and Murabo hard
after them. With startling echoes some gun-shots?
soon rang through the forest. Away we tore
through the jungle in the direction of the sounds.
We came in sight of the river, and heard the
rifles close to us. In midfStream were the five
Wangwana riding on. the keels of the upset
THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT. VOL. III. "