In the antechamber I found a number of Wakungu, as usual, lounging about on the ground, smoking, chatting, and drinking pombe, whilst Wasoga amused them singing and playing on lap-harps, and little boys kept time on the harmonicon.
These Wakungu are naturally patient attendants, being well trained to the duty; but their very lives depend upon their presenting themselves at court a certain number of months every year, no matter from what distant part of the country they have to come.

If they failed, their estates would be confiscated, and their lives taken unless they could escape.

I found a messenger who consented to tell the king of my desire to see him.

He returned to say that the king was sleeping--a palpable falsehood.

In a huff, I walked home to breakfast, leaving my attendants, Maula and Uledi, behind to make explanations.