"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.
