The body was dressed in a doti and
a half of new American sheeting. After it was placed properly
in its narrow bed, a sloping roof of sticks, covered over with
matting and old canvas, was made, to prevent the earth from
falling over the body. The grave was then filled, the soldiers
laughing merrily. On the top of the grave was planted a small
shrub, and into a small hole made with the hand, was poured
water lest he might feel thirsty - they said - on his way to
Paradise; water was then sprinkled all ever the grave, and
the gourd broken. This ceremony being ended, the men recited
the Arabic Fat-hah, after which they left the grave of their
dead comrade to think no more of him,
September 7th. - An Arab named Mohammed presented me to-day with a
little boy-slave, called "Ndugu M'hali" (my brother's wealth).
As I did not like the name, I called the chiefs of my caravan
together, and asked them to give him a better name. One suggested
"Simba" (a lion), another said he thought "Ngombe" (a cow)
would suit the boy-child, another thought he ought to be called
"Mirambo," which raised a loud laugh. Bombay thought "Bombay
Mdogo" would suit my black-skinned infant very well. Ulimengo,
however, after looking at his quick eyes, and noting his celerity
of movement, pronounced the name Ka-lu-la as the best for him,
"because," said he, "just look at his eyes, so bright look at his
form, so slim! watch his movements, how quick! Yes, Kalulu is his
name.""Yes, bana," said the others, "let it be Kalulu."
"Kalulu" is a Kisawahili term for the young of the blue-buck
(perpusilla) antelope.
"Well, then," said I, water being brought in a huge tin pan,
Selim, who was willing to stand godfather, holding him over the
water, "let his name henceforth be Kalulu, and let no man take it
from him," and thus it was that the little black boy of Mohammed's
came to be called Kalulu.
The Expedition is increasing in numbers.
We had quite an alarm before dark. Much firing was heard at
Tabora, which led us to anticipate an attack on Kwihara. It
turned out, however, to be a salute fired in honour of the arrival
of Sultan Kitambi to pay a visit to Mkasiwa, Sultan of Unyanyembe.
September 8th. - Towards night Sheikh bin Nasib received a letter
from an Arab at Mfuto, reporting that an attack was made on that
place by Mirambo and his Watuta allies. It also warned him to bid
the people of Kwihara hold themselves in readiness, because if
Mirambo succeeded in storming Mfuto, he would march direct on
Kwihara.
September 9th. - Mirambo was defeated with severe loss yesterday,
in his attack upon Mfuto.
