I determined to send Kabba Rega, in return for his present of cows, the
large Geneva musical box, with drums and bells, which he had always
desired.
No one knew how to wind it up; and it was necessary that some person
should accompany it with the native messengers.
The clerk of the detachment, Ramadan, who has already been mentioned as
a favourite with the natives, and a good linguist, at once volunteered
to be the bearer of the present. Since the battle of Masindi, Ramadan
had been in frequent personal communication with the natives, and he
assured me that there was a general desire for peaceful relations. He
was supposed to be a favourite of Kabba Rega's, and it was therefore
arranged that he should accompany the musical box, which was a good load
for a fast-travelling native.
Hafiz, the farrier, whose occupation was nearly gone by the death of all
the horses but two, volunteered to accompany Ramadan. I ordered them to
go unarmed, as their peaceful mission would be at once understood; this
fact would establish confidence among the natives.
It was about 3 P.M. when they started, and we watched their arrival in
the village with the telescope, where they appeared to be well received.
In the evening they both returned with the musical box, accompanied by
the sheik who was to be their guide, as Kabba Rega had retired to a town
at which he had a residence, about half a day's march distant.
