08 
THROUGH THE DARK CONTINENT. 
portance of doing something in the way of business whenever opportunities 
oflered. In fact, he would sometimes go so far as to say to his half-dozen 
ciders that he had something in view even then—“ but we must have a shauri 
first.” Becoming exceedingly interested, the elders would invite him to speak, 
and instantly assume that wise, thoughtful, grave aspect which you sometimes 
pep in members of Parliament, Congress, Reichstag, &c. “ Ah, but,” Kaduma 
would pay, “does a man work when he is hungry ? Can he talk when he is 
thirsty?” The elders slily exchange winks and nods of approval, at which 
Kadiima bursts into a hoarse chuckle—never a laugh—for Kaduma is remark 
able for possessing the conceit of humour. Others may laugh at his dry 
sayings, but he himself never laughs: he chuckles. 
T he great jar of froth-topped pombd * is then brought up by a naked youth 
of fourteen or fifteen years, who is exceedingly careful to plant the egg- 
lx>ttomcd jar firmly on the ground lest it should topple over. Beside it is 
-conveniently placed Kaduma’s favourite drinking-cup, as large as a quart 
measure, and cut out of a symmetrically shaped gourd. Kaduma is now 
■seated on a favourite low stool, and folds his greasy Sohari cloth about him, 
while the elders are seated on either side of him on wood chips, or axe handles, 
or rocks. The foaming jar is ready, and the dusky Ganymede attentive. 
Kaduma ptretches out his hand languidly—it is all affectation, for Kaduma is 
really thirsty—and Ganymede, with both hands, presents the cup kneeling. 
ï he pombd being broached, the valves of the “shauri” arc opened. During 
the hour devoted to the consumption of the pomhé, Kaduma may be said to 
lx? rational, and even interested in business. Withal he is gay, light-hearted, 
and pleasant in conversation ; grand projects are hinted at ; trading expedi 
tions even as far as Ujiji suggested ; a trip to UnyanyemW and Zanzibar 
appears to be in serious contemplation with him. But, alas ! the pombd ia 
cndcvl. Kaduma goes tc sleep. At three o’clock he expands again into a 
creature of intelligence. Two or three pots are exhausted between 3 and 
6 r.M., and finally Kaduma reels to his cot like the inebriated sot he really 
is. Alas! for the virtues of a naturally intelligent nature drowned by such 
intemperance! Alas! for the fine attributes of manhood conquered by vilo 
indulgences! Alas ! for the brains muddled by such impurities ! 
It will be apparent, then, that, though the Prince of Kagehyi is a well- 
meaning and well-disposed creature, ho possessed an infirmity that rendered 
him incapable of rendering me that service which he had himself suggested to 
me. He promised that he would accompany me in my exploration of Lake 
Victoria! It is to be doubted, after acquiring such a knowledge of his cIæ" 
racter, whether his intentions could be fulfilled. Yet he informed me that be 
bad visited Ukerewé, Ururi, and Ugeycya, and would, for a consideration, 
place himself at my disposal. The consideration was ready, but Kaduma, 
unfortunately for me, I saw, could not be ready within a decade ! Hopes of 
• Native beer, made from fermented grain or coarse flour.