Two days afterwards I was informed
he had blown his right eye out, and received a medical confirmation
of the fact, and note of the extent of the injury, from Dr.
Christie, the physician to His Highness Seyd Burghash. His
compatriots I imagined were about planning the same thing, but a
peremptory command to abstain from such folly, issued after they
had received their advance-pay, sufficed to check any sinister
designs they may have formed.
A groom was caught stealing from the bales, one night, and the
chase after him into the country until he vanished out of sight
into the jungle, was one of the most agreeable diversions which
occurred to wear away the interval employed in preparing for the
march.
I had now despatched four caravans into the interior, and the
fifth, which was to carry the boats and boxes, personal luggage,
and a few cloth and bead loads, was ready to be led by myself.
The following is the order of departure of the caravans.
1871. Feb. 6. - Expedition arrived at Bagamoyo.
1871. Feb. 18. - First caravan departs with twenty-four pagazis and
three soldiers.
1871. Feb. 21. - Second caravan departs with twenty-eight pagazis,
two chiefs, and two soldiers.
