2 7 2 THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT, i Jan- 2> i877- 1
LKibombo Island. J
was short, and we were permitted to pursue
our voyage.
The river, beyond these islands, expanded
to a breadth of 3000 yards : the left bank being
high, and the right low. At noon we were in
south latitude i° 10'.
Five miles below, the river narrowed to about
2800 yards, and then we floated down past an
uninhabited stretch, the interval affording us rest,
until, reaching the southern end of a large island,
we camped, lest we might be plunged into
hostilities once more.
The 2nd January was a lively day. We first
ran the gauntlet past Kirembuka, an exciting
affair, and next we were challenged by Mwana-
Mara’s fierce sons, who were soon joined by
Mwana Vibondo’s people, and about 10.30 A.M.
we had to repulse an attack made by the natives
of Lombo a Kiriro. We had fought for three
hours almost without a pause, for the Kewanjawa
and Watomba tribe from the left bank had joined
in the savage mêlée, and had assisted the tribes
of the right bank. Then for an hour we had
rest; but after that we came to islands, which
we afterwards discovered were called Kibombo,
and, finding the tribe of Amu-Nyam preparing
for battle with animation, we took advantage of
one of the group to see if we could not negotiate
a peaceful passage before risking another fight.
The latitude of this island was south o° 52' o".
rJan. 2, 1877-1 BULLETS AGAINST SPEARS.
L Amu-Nyam. J
Katembo, our interpreter, and his friend, were
despatched in a canoe manned by eight men,
half-way to the shore, to speak fair and sweet
words of peace to the Amu-Nyam. No verbal
answer was given to them, but they had to
retreat in a desperate hurry before a rapidly
advancing crowd of canoes. The Amu-Nyam
had evidently not had time to be undeceived
by their friends above, for they came up with
a dauntless bearing, as though accustomed to
victory. Yet we held out copper armlets and
long strings of shells to them, vociferously
shouting out “ Sen-nen-neh,” with appropriate
and plausible gestures. They laughed at us; and
one fellow, who had a mighty door-like shield
painted black with soot, using his long spear
as an index finger, asked us— if Katembo spoke
correctly— if we thought we could disappoint
them of so much meat by the presents of a few
shells and a little copper.
Our canoes were lying broadside along the
reedy island, and as soon as the first spears
were thrown, the Wangwana received orders to
reply to them with brass slugs, which created
such a panic that a couple of shots from
each man sufficed to drive them back in confusion.
After a while, they recovered, and
from a distance began to fly their poisoned
arrows; but the Sniders responded to them
so effectually that they finally desisted, and
THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT. VOL. III. T