There were no means possible of communication with Abdullah. In case of
necessity, there was only one move; this was to march to the Victoria
Nile, and form an alliance with Rionga, the old enemy of Kamrasi's
family, whom I had always refused to attack. I was sure that he must
have heard of my refusal to ally myself with Kabba Rega against him:
thus he would be favourable to the government.
I resolved that, if hostilities should continue, I would proclaim Rionga
representative of the government, as vassal-chief of Unyoro, in the room
of Kabba Rega, deposed.
Rionga would send a letter to warn Major Abdullah at Fatiko; but how was
I to convey my baggage and ammunition from Masindi to Foweera, without a
single carrier, or even a guide?
It was the height of the rainy season, and the grass was about nine or
ten feet high, throughout a country of dense and tangled forest.
I had no interpreter of my own; Umbogo was Kabba Rega's slave, and
although I fancied that he was fond of us, I had no faith in any one of
these detestable people. This want of confidence was keenly felt at a
time when I required an interpreter in whom I could absolutely trust.
