In the presence of Kabba Rega and his
people, therefore I did not wish any subjects of the Khedive to be in
disgrace upon such an occasion, excepting only Suleiman, who would be
sent to Cairo on the first opportunity, to answer for the murder of the
prisoner at Foweera. I therefore divided a few pounds of beads among
them for the purchase of new bark-cloths, as I could not allow them to
appear in their dirty clothes on the day of the ceremony.
They all went away rejoicing, and swearing fidelity, at the same time
confessing their sins, and vowing that I had treated them better than
they had deserved.
As usual, our proceedings were narrowly watched by the guards stationed
at Kabba Rega's new divan, within fifty yards of my house. These spies
immediately ran off to their master with the report that I had forgiven
the slave-hunters who were lately prisoners, and that I had actually
made them presents of beads. (At that time I had not the slightest
idea that the liberation of the prisoners would excite suspicion in the
minds of Kabba Rega and his people, but there can be no doubt that this
act of clemency on my part destroyed the confidence which had previously
existed.)
This report was quickly confirmed, as the new and dirty members of the
irregular corps, who were now at liberty, presented themselves in the
town with their hands full of beads to purchase the necessary
bark-cloths.
