e would not
have it done on any consideration. The Kamraviona and Kidgwiga followed
us home, and told Bombay the king did not wish us to leave till next
moon, and then he would like us to fight his brothers on the way. This
message, sent in such an underhand manner after the meeting, Bombay
failed to deliver, telling them he should be afraid to do so.

6th.--The Kamraviona was sent to us with four loads of fish and a
request for ammunition, notwithstanding everything asked for yesterday
had been refused until we reached the vessels. "Confound Kamrasi!" was
the reply; "does he think we came here to trick kings that he doubts
our words? We came to open the road; and, as sure as we wish it, we will
send him everything that has been promised. Why should he doubt our
word more than anybody else? We are not accustomed to be treated in this
manner, and must beg he won't insult us any more. Then about fighting
his brothers, we have already given answer that we never fight with
black men; and should the king persist in it, we will never take another
thing from his hands. The boys shall not go to England, neither will
any other white men come this way." The Kamraviona made the following
answer:--"But there are two more things the king wishes to know about:
he has asked the question before, but forgotten the answers. Is there
any medicine for women or children which will prevent the offspring from
dying shortly after birth?--for it is a common infirmity in this country
with some women, that all their children die before they are able to
walk, whilst others never lose a child. The other matter of inquiry was,
What medicine will attach all subjects to their king?--for Kamrasi
wants some of that most particularly." I answered, "Knowledge of good
government, attended with wisdom and justice, is all the medicine we
know of; and this his boys can best learn in England, and instruct him
in when they return."

7th.--We went to meet Kamrasi at his Kafu palace to bid good-bye. After
all the huckstering and begging with which he had tormented us, the
state he chose to assume on this occasion was very ludicrous. He sat
with an air of the most solemn dignity, upon his throne of skins,
regarding us like mere slaves, and asking what things we intended to
send to him. On being told we did not like being repeatedly reminded of
our promises, he came down a little from his dignity, saying, "And what
answer have you about the business on the island?