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. I found Monsoor waiting by my door.
The emetics had counteracted the poison, and my patients, although
weakly, were quite out of danger.
Having examined them, I ordered the men to their quarters, and they all
left the fort, with the exception of the night guard.
