"One of our gods is a flower.

Does the white lord wish to dig up our god ?" Of course this was exactly what Stephen did desire to do, but not unnaturally he kept the fact to himself.

The squabble grew so hot that finally I announced that if our little belongings were treated with so much suspicion, it might be better that we should give up the journey altogether.
"We have passed our word that we have no firearms," I said in the most dignified manner that I could command, "and that should be enough for you, O Komba." Then Komba, after consultation with his companions, gave way.

Evidently he was anxious that we should visit Pongo-land.
So at last we started.

We three white men and our servants seated ourselves in the stern of the canoe on grass cushions that had been provided.