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His uncle, Rahonka, exclaimed "You have done wisely in bringing all those guns as presents for Kabba Rega." My visitors were quite charmed.
The conduct of little Cherri-Merri was very gratifying, as he had adhered to his true friends in a moment of great uncertainty. Rahonka shortly appeared. My interpreter, Umbogo, was absent on leave for two days to visit his farm; thus Rahonka was accompanied by Kadji-Barri, who was well accustomed to us, and had often received presents.
My good little officer had also laid out a large supply of spare ammunition, together with every gun, rifle, and pistol, all of which were laid on a table in the divan, ready to repel an attack. I now sent for Rahonka, who was supposed to be the general of Kabba Rega's forces.
I gave the men strict orders not to fire under any provocation, unless I gave the word of command, and attended by Lieutenant Baker and Monsoor, the latter with his sword drawn, I left the square, and walked into the middle of the crowd, towards the three chiefs, Rahonka, Kittakara, and Matonse, who were all standing with lances in their hands, and apparently prepared for action.
The matongale, or sheik, who was the principal messenger, assured me that Kabba Rega was quite in despair, and that he had given orders for provisions and a large quantity of ivory to be collected, which would be sent to us on the day following, in charge of Rahonka and Kittakara.
"Abd-el-Kader immediately informed them of the purport of his arrival, and requested the sheiks to accompany him to the zareeba of Suleiman. Rahonka begged to be left alone for a short time to enable him to dress. "Abd-el-Kader waited outside the door of the hut, and, becoming tired of so long a delay, he re-entered, and to his astonishment found the dwelling empty.
My improvident men have torn all their waterproof cloaks and blankets just as we have arrived in a country where they will be most required. "April 8. It now rains daily, more or less. The order was given by Kabba Rega that we were to be supplied with carriers for the journey to Masindi, which is to be under the charge of Rahonka.
Seeing their hesitation, I inquired whether they would wish to see my men perform? After a few words between Kittakara and Rahonka, the former agreed that it would be better for my men to commence the dance first. I lost no time in explaining to Kittakara.
"At length, after this long delay, he sent Rahonka to say that 'if it was all the same to me, he would rather see me at his own house. "This unmannerly young cub was actually suspicious of foul play, and was afraid to enter my tent!
"I immediately told Rahonka that his king was evidently not old enough to have learnt good manners, therefore I should at once dismiss the troops, who had already been waiting for nearly two hours to do him honour. "I ordered the bugler to sound the 'destoor, and the troops at once obeyed the signal.
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