Rifle-pits surround the house outside, and all native huts that
obstructed the view have been torn down, and all trees and shrubs
which might serve as a shelter for any one of the enemy have been
cut. Provisions and water enough for six days have been brought.
I have ammunition enough to last two weeks. The walls are three
feet thick, and there are apartments within apartments, so that
a desperate body of men could fight until the last room had been
taken.
The Arabs, my neighbours, endeavour to seem brave, but it is
evident they are about despairing; I have heard it rumoured that
the Arabs of Kwihara, if Tabora is taken, will start en masse for
the coast, and give the country up to Mirambo. If such are their
intentions, and they are really carried into effect, I shall be
in a pretty mess. However, if they do leave me, Mirambo will not
reap any benefit from my stores, nor from Livingstone's either,
for I shall burn the whole house, and everything in it.
August 24th. - The American flag is still waving above my house,
and the Arabs are still in Unyanyembe.
About 10 A.M., a messenger came from Tabora, asking us if we were
not going to assist them against Mirambo.
