our heads.

_15th December, 1868._--March two hours only to the range of Tamba. A
pretty little light-grey owl, called "nkwekwe," was killed by a
native as food; a black ring round its face and its black ears gave it
all the appearance of a cat, whose habits it follows.

_16th to 18th December, 1868._--A brother of Syde bin Habib died last
night: I had made up my mind to leave the whole party, but Syde said
that Chisabi was not to be trusted, and the death of his brother
having happened, it would not be respectful to leave him to bury his
dead alone. Six of his slaves fled during the night--one, the keeper
of the others. A Mobemba man, who had been to the coast twice with
him, is said to have wished a woman who was in the chain, so he loosed
five out, and took her off; the others made clear heels of it, and now
that the grass is long and green, no one can trace their course.

Syde told me that the slaves would not have detained him, but his
brother's death did. We buried the youth, who has been ill three
months. Mpamari descended into the grave with four others; a broad
cloth was held over them horizontally, and a little fluctuation made,
as if to fan those who were depositing the body in the side excavation
made at the bottom: when they had finished they pulled in earth, and
all shoved it towards them till the grave was level. Mullam then came
and poured a little water into and over the grave, mumbled a few
prayers, at which Mpamari said aloud to me, "Mullam does not let his
voice be heard;" and Mullam smiled to me, as if to say, "Loud enough
for all I shall get:" during the ceremony the women were all wailing
loudly. We went to the usual sitting-place, and shook hands with Syde,
as if receiving him back again into the company of the living.

Syde told me previously to this event that he had fought the people
who killed his elder brother Salem bin Habib, and would continue to
fight them till all their country was spoiled and a desolation: there
is no forgiveness with Moslems for bloodshed. He killed many, and took
many slaves, ivory, and copper: his tusks number over 200, many of
large size.

_19th and 20th December, 1868._--To Chisabi's village stockade, on the
left bank of the Lofunso, which flows in a marshy valley three miles
broad. Eight of Mohamad Bogharib's slaves fled by night, one with his
gun and wife; a, large party went in search, but saw nothing of them.

To-day an elephant was killed, and they sent