"Yes," he replied.
"Would you like to drink some that you brought from Kabba Rega, this
evening?"
"Yes, if you have any to spare," replied Umbogo.
I ordered Monsoor to fill a gourd-shell that would contain about a
quart. This was handed to him, together with a reed.
Umbogo began to suck it vigorously through the tube. My wife thought he
was shamming.
"Drink it off, Umbogo!" I exclaimed.
He drank with enjoyment - there was no mistake.
"Stop him! - that's enough, Umbogo! Don't drink it all." The man was
evidently not guilty, although he had been employed to bring the
poisoned stuff.
Umbogo had only to leave the divan and turn the corner, before he fell
to the ground, with the same symptoms that had been exhibited among the
men. He had drunk more than the others. His eyes were blood-stained, and
nearly started from his head, as he strove wildly upon the ground and
wrestled with those who endeavoured to assist him, in a state of total
unconsciousness.
I was by his side immediately, and administered the same remedies.
I now ordered all the sick men to be either carried or led within the
fort, from which they could not escape. Those who were slightly better,
now endeavoured to wander about in delirium, and they would have been
lost in the high grass unless I had thus secured them.
All that was possible had been done; the sick, were secured, and the
night guards for relief were at their posts with double sentries awake
and on duty; thus no man would sleep within the station.
I sent Monsoor to call the chief, Matonse, whose house was within 200
yards of the government divan.
Monsoor shortly returned without Matonse. He had brought an interpreter
from this chief, in lieu of Umbogo, who was incapacitated; and Matonse
had sent a message "that he could not come to me in the dark, but he
would call on the following day."
In the mean time an ominous stillness reigned throughout the usually
boisterous population of Masindi. Not a sound was to be heard, although
the nightly custom of the people was singing, howling, and blowing
horns.
My arms and ammunition were always in readiness, but I filled up my
pouches to the maximum of fifty cartridges, and at midnight I went to
bed.
I woke frequently to listen, as I was anxious, and therefore slept
lightly. The faithful Monsoor was under arms, and was pacing throughout
the whole night before my door; he never slept.
At about 2 A.M. there was a sound throughout the town of fowls cackling,
as though they were being disturbed and caught while at roost.
At about 3 A.M. the lowing of cattle was heard, as though Kabba Rega's
cows were being driven off.
A little after 5 A.M. I got up, and went out at daybreak to visit the
sick within the fort.
