This Foxy Speech Was Too Transparent To Require One Moment's
Reflection.
In a country where men were property, the fate of
one or two left behind was obvious; and had we doubted that his
object was to get possession of them, his next words would have
sufficiently revealed it.
He said, "As you gave men to Mtesa,
why would you refuse them to me?" but was checkmated on being
told, "Should any of those men who deserted us in this country
ever reach their homes, they will all be hung for breaking their
allegiance or oath." "Well," says the king, "I have acceded to
everything you have to say; and the day after to-morrow, when I
shall have had time to collect men to go with you, and selected
the two princes you have promised to educate, we will meet again
and say good-bye; but you must give me a gun and some more
medicine, as well as the powder and ball you promised after
reaching the vessels." This was all acquiesced in, and we wished
to take his portrait, but he would not have it done on any
consideration. The Kamraviona and Kidgwiga followed us home, and
told Bombay the king did not wish us to leave till next moon, and
then he would like us to fight his brothers on the way. This
message, sent in such an underhand manner after the meeting,
Bombay failed to deliver, telling them he should be afraid to do
so.
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