Watercourses were as frequent as ever, though not quite so troublesome to the traveller, as they were more frequently bridged with poles or palm-tree trunks.
This, the next place we arrived at, was N'yamgundu's own residence, where I stopped a day to try and shoot buffaloes.

Maula here had the coolness to tell me he must inspect all the things I had brought for presentation to the king, as he said it was the custom; after which he would hurry on and inform his majesty.

Of course I refused, saying it was uncourteous to both the king and myself.

Still he persisted, until, finding it hopeless, he spitefully told N'yamgundu to keep me here at least two days.

N'yamgundu, however, very prudently told him he should obey his orders, which were to take me on as fast as he could.