beads, and cloth. They approved of my plan of passing to the
south of Nsama's country, but advised waiting till the effects
of punishment, which the Bäulungu had resolved to inflict on
Nsama for breach of public law, were known. It had always been
understood that whoever brought goods into the country was to be
protected; and two hours after my arrival at Chitimba's, the son
of Kasonso, our guide, marched in with his contingent. It was
anticipated that Nsama might flee; if to the north, he would
leave me a free passage through his country; if to the south, I
might be saved from walking into his hands. But it turned out
that Nsama was anxious for peace. He had sent two men with
elephants' tusks to begin a negotiation; but treachery was
suspected, and they were shot down. Another effort was made with
ten goats, and repulsed. This was much to the regret of the head
Arabs. It was fortunate for me that the Arab goods were not all
sold, for Lake Moero lay in Nsama's country, and without peace
no ivory could be bought, nor could I reach the Lake. The
peace-making between the people and Arabs was, however, a
tedious process, occupying three and a half months--drinking
each other's blood. This, as I saw it west of this in 1854, is
not more horrible than the thirtieth dilution of deadly
night-shade or strychnine is in homoeopathy. I thought that had
I been an Arab I could easily swallow that, but not the next
means of cementing the peace--marrying a black wife. Nsama's
daughter was the bride, and she turned out very pretty. She came
riding pickaback on a man's shoulders: this is the most
dignified conveyance that chiefs and their families can command.
She had ten maids with her, each carrying a basket of
provisions, and all having the same beautiful features as
herself. She was taken by the principal Arab, but soon showed