We Now
Ventured On A Plump Application For Boats That We Might Feel Our
Way To Gani By Water, Supposing
The lake and river to be
navigable all the way; and begged Kitunzi might be appointed to
accompany us, in
Order that whatever was done might be done all
with good effect in opening up a new line of commerce, by which
articles of European manufacture might find a permanent route to
Uganda. It was "no go," however. The appeal, though listened to,
and commented on, showing that it was well understood, got no
direct reply. It was not my policy to make our object appear too
important to ourselves, so I had to appear tolerably indifferent,
and took the opportunity to ask for my paint-box, which he had
borrowed for a day and had kept in his possession for months. I
got no answer to that request either, but was immediately dunned
for the compass, which had been promised on Grant's arrival.
Now, with a promise that the compass would be sent him in the
morning, he said he would see what pombe his women could spare
us; and, bidding good evening, walked away.
29th. - I sent Bombay with the compass, much to the delight of the
king, who no sooner saw it than he jumped and woh-wohed with
intense excitement at the treasure he had gained, said it was the
greatest present Bana had ever given him, for it was the thing by
which he found out all the roads and countries - it was, in fact,
half his knowledge; and the parting with it showed plainly that
Bana entertained an everlasting friendship for him.
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