I sent him one kitambi and
eight yards kiniki, explaining how fearfully I was reduced from
theft and desertions,
And begging he would have mercy; but
instead of doing so he sent the things back in a huff, after a
whole day's delay, and said he required, besides, one sahari, one
kitambi, and eight yards kiniki. In a moment I sent them over,
and begged he would beat the drums; but no, he thought he was
entitled to ten brass wires, in addition, and would accept them
at his palace the next day, as he could not think of allowing us
to leave his country until we had done him that honour, else all
the surrounding chiefs would call him inhospitable.
Too knowing now to be caught with such chaff, I told him, through
Bombay, if he would consider the ten brass wires final, I would
give them, and then go to his palace, not otherwise. He acceded
to this, but no sooner got them, than he broke his faith, and
said he must either have more pretty cloths, or five more brass
wires, and then, without doubt, he would beat the drums. A long
badgering bargain ensued, at which I made all my men be present
as witnesses, and we finally concluded the hongo with four more
brass wires.
The drums then no sooner beat the satisfaction, than the Wasui
mace-bearers, in the most feeling and good-mannered possible
manner, dropped down on their knees before me, and congratulated
me on the cessation of this tormenting business.
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