The night passed quietly. On 12th June, I watched the natives with the
telescope, and I observed that many of the crowd were gesticulating in
an excited manner.
I was almost convinced that we were again subjected to the foulest
treachery, and I was extremely anxious about Ramadan and Hafiz. I could
hardly believe it possible that these poor men, unarmed, and carrying a
valuable present, would be cruelly murdered.
The day passed in hope and expectation of their return. Late in the
evening, the act of incendiarism of the preceding night was renewed, and
the deserted house of Colonel Abd-el-Kader was in a bright blaze without
a native being visible.
No yells were heard, nor any other sound. The troops turned out with
their usual quiet discipline, but not a shot was fired.
The 13th June arrived. - Still there were no tidings of either Umbogo,
Ramadan, or Hafiz. I now felt convinced that the young villain, Kabba
Rega, had played me false, and that he was only gaining time to collect
and organize the whole force of Unyoro to attack us, and to line the
path to the river with ambuscades.
It is impossible to this day to say whether Umbogo was true or false. I
never saw him again; and the unfortunate Ramadan and Hafiz were wantonly
murdered.
At about 10 A.M., 13th June, we were let into the secret of Kabba Rega's
villainy.
