called his Inkisi. In return for the bounteous
store of provisions given to Frank and myself
as they were cotton-or grass-cloth-wearing people
we made up a bundle of cloths for each of the
principals, which they refused, to our surprise.
We thep begged to know what they desired
that we might show our appreciation of their
kindness, and seal the bond of brotherhood with
our blood.
The young man now declared himself to be
Itsi, the king of Ntamo; the elder, who had
previously been passed off for the king, being
only an ancient councillor. It was a surprise,
but not an unpleasant one, though there was
nothing very regal or majestic about him, unless
one may so call his munificent bounty to Frank
as compared to the old man’s to me. We f in a l ly
prevailed upon Itsi to inform us what gift would
be pleasing to him.
He said, “ I want only that big goat; if you
give me that, I shall want nothing more.”
The “ big goat” which he so earnestly required
was the last of six couples I had purchased
in Uregga for the purpose of presentation
to an eminent English lady, in accordance with
a promise I had made to her four years previously.
All the others had perished from heat apoplexy,
sickness, and want of proper care, which the
terrible life we had led had prevented us from
supplying. This “ big goat” and a lion-like ram,
(-March 13, >877-1 OUR BIG GOAT. 63
Ntamo. J
gigantic specimens of the domestic animals of
Manyema and Uregga, were all that survived.
They had both become quite attached to us,
and were valued companions of a most eventful
journey of 1100 miles. I refused it, but offered
to double the cloths. Whereupon Itsi sulked,
and prepared to depart, not, however, before
hinting that we should find it difficult to obtain
food if he vetoed the sale of provisions. We
coaxed him back again to his seat, and offered
him one of the asses. The possession of such
a “ gigantic” animal as an ass, which was to
him of all domestic animals a veritable Titano-
saurus, was a great temptation; but the shuddering
women, who feared being eaten by it, caused
him to decline the honour of the gift. He now
offered three goats for what appeared to him to
be the “ largest” goat in Africa, and boasted of
his goodness, and how his friendship would be
serviceable to me, whereas, if he parted in
anger, why, we should be entirely at his mercy.
The goat was therefore transferred to his canoe,
and Itsi departed for Ntamo as though he were
in possession of a new wonder.
Our provisions were only sufficient'to prove
what appetites we possessed , and not to assuage
them: all were consumed in a few minutes, and
we were left with only hopes of obtaining a
little more on the next day.
On the 14th Itsi appeared with his war-canoe