"The two natives were standing on the edge of the high grass, close to
the ashes of the town, and they appeared more confident, as they
conversed with us at about twelve yards' distance.
"Presently they said they would come close to us, were it not for their
fear of the two sentries with their rifles, who were about forty yards
in our rear.
"I turned round to order the sentries to retire a little. The instant
that my back was turned, one of the treacherous brutes hurled his spear
at me, which struck quivering in the earth at my feet! At the same
moment they bolted into the high grass, accompanied by our dragoman,
Abou Kooka, and disappeared at once like fish in water!
"The treachery of the negro is beyond belief; he has not a moral human
instinct, and is below the brute. How is it possible to improve such
abject animals? They are not worth the trouble, and they are only fit
for slaves, to which position their race appears to have been condemned.
"I believe I have wasted my time and energy, and have uselessly
encountered difficulties, and made enemies by my attempt to suppress the
slave trade, and thus improve the condition of the natives.
"It is now 4.40 P.M., and I am anxious about Ramadan and Hafiz, who have
not returned.
"My men have been on half rations since the 8th inst., and we have
supplies only for to-morrow, after which we shall be obliged to forage,
unless Kabba Rega sends the promised provisions.
