The canoes launched,
and the baggage stowed, and when the negotiations had concluded
amicably, I begged the Doctor to jump into the boat, as this
apparent peace was simply a lull before a storm; besides, said I,
there are two or three cowardly creatures in the boat, who, in
case of another disturbance, would not scruple to leave both of us
here.
From Cape Luvumba, about 4.30 P.M. we commenced pulling across;
at 8 P.M. we were abreast of Cape Panza, the northern extremity
of the island of Muzimu; at 6 A.M. we were southward of Bikari,
and pulling for Mukungu, in Urundi, at which place we arrived at
10 A.M., having been seventeen hours and a half in crossing the
lake, which, computing at two miles an hour, may be said to be
thirty-five miles direct breadth, and a little more than
forty-three miles from Cape Luvumba.
On the 11th of December, after seven hours' pulling, we arrived at
picturesque Zassi again; on the 12th, at the pretty cove of Niasanga;
and at 11 A.M. we had rounded past Bangwe, and Ujiji was before us.
We entered the port very quietly, without the usual firing of
guns, as we were short of powder and ball. As we landed, our
soldiers and the Arab magnates came to the water's edge to greet
us.
