I Then Refused To
Take His Bullock, Because He Had Annoyed Me.
On his part he was
resolved not to beat the drum; but he graciously said he would
think about it if I paid another lot of cloth equal to the second
deole I ought to have given him.
I began seriously to consider whether I should have this chief
shot, as a reward for his oppressive treachery, and a warning to
others; but the Pig said it was just what the Arabs were
subjected to in Ubena, and they found it best to pay down at
once, and do all they were ordered. If I acted rightly, I would
take the bullock, and then give the cloth; whilst Baraka said,
"We will shoot him if you give the order, only remember Grant is
behind, and if you commence a row you will have to fight the
whole way, for every chief in the country will oppose you."
I then told the Pig and Baraka to settle at once. They no sooner
did so than the drums beat, and Makaka, in the best humour
possible, came over to say I had permission to go when I liked,
but he hoped I would give him a gun and a box of lucifers. This
was too provoking. The perpetual worry had given Baraka a fever,
and had made me feel quite sick; so I said, if he ever mentioned
a gun or lucifers again, I would fight the matter out with him,
for I had not come there to be bullied.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 177 of 767
Words from 48259 to 48518
of 210958
