Then, As If A Sudden Freak Had Seized
Him, Though I Knew It Was On Account Of Maula's Having Excited
His Curiosity, He Said, "Where Does Bana Live?
Lead away."
Bounding and scrambling, the Wakungu, the women and all, went
pell-mell through everything towards my hut.
If the Kamraviona
or any of the boys could not move fast enough, on account of the
crops on the fields, they were piked in the back till half
knocked over; but, instead of minding, they trotted on,
n'yanzigging as if honoured by a kingly poke, though treated like
so many dogs.
Arrived at the hut, the king took off his turban as I took off my
hat, and seated himself on my stool; whilst the Kamraviona, with
much difficulty, was induced to sit upon a cowskin, and the women
at first were ordered to squat outside. Everything that struck
the eye was much admired and begged for, though nothing so much
as my wideawake and mosquito-curtains; then, as the women were
allowed to have a peep in and see Bana in his den, I gave them
two sacks of beads, to make the visit profitable, the only
alternative left me from being forced into inhospitality, for no
one would drink from my cup. Moreover, a present was demanded by
the laws of the country.
The king, excitedly impatient, now led the way again, shooting
hurry-scurry through my men's lines, which were much commented on
as being different from Waganda hutting, on to the tall tree with
the adjutant's nest.
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