We were
consequently detained here next day (19th), when, after engaging
a fresh set, we crossed the wilderness, and in Usui put up with
Suwarora's border officer of this post, N'yamanira.
Here we were again brought to a standstill.
Chapter VII
Usui
Taxation recommenced - A Great Doctor - Suwarora pillaging - The
Arabs - Conference with an Ambassador from Uganda - Disputes in
Camp - Rivalry of Bombay and Baraka - Departure from the
Inhospitable Districts.
We were now in Usui, and so the mace-bearers, being on their own
ground forgot their manners, and peremptorily demanded their pay
before they would allow us to move one step farther. At first I
tried to stave the matter off, promising great rewards if they
took us quickly on to Suwarora; but they would take no
alternative - their rights were four wires each. I could not
afford such a sum, and tried to beat them down, but without
effect; for they said, they had it in their power to detain us
here a whole month, and they could get us bullied at every stage
by the officers of the stations. No threats of reporting them to
their chief had any effect, so, knowing that treachery in these
countries was a powerful enemy, I ordered them to be paid.
N'yamanira, the Mkungu, then gave us a goat and two pots of
pombe, begging, at the same time, for four wires, which I paid,
hoping thus to get on in the morning.
