ed very politely to him, as did his officers, and
he returned the salute in the same fashion. I asked Senhor Silva who he
was?

"Oh, he is King Mungo," he said; "a very important person in these
regions. The schooner has come here on a diplomatic mission, and though
he is an ugly-looking savage, we must treat him with every respect."

After the first greetings were over the captain ushered King Mungo and
three of his sable attendants, dressed in old nankeen jackets and tarry
trousers, into the cabin. Kate's astonishment was naturally very great
when she saw them. His majesty bowed to her with profound respect; and
I saw him afterwards, whenever he had the opportunity, casting glances
of admiration at her. Senhor Silva accounted to Captain Hyslop, as he
had done to me, for our entering the river.

"If we are to wait any time, I should like to go ashore and see the
nature of the country," said Stanley. "We shall probably be able to get
a little sport."

Senhor Silva hesitated, and then addressed the Portuguese captain.
"King Mungo declines to guarantee your safety, and without that it would
be madness to go into the interior," he answered.

"But we can keep along the banks of the river, and we may find some
sport there," said Stanley.

Again Senhor Silva brought forward many reasons for this being
inadvisable. "To say the truth," he added, "as I before explained to
our young friend here, my countrymen do not altogether trust us, and it
would not be wise to offend them."

This answer did not satisfy Stanley, but he made no remark. Wine and
spirits were now placed on the table. His majesty, I observed, after
taking a glass or two of the former, applied himself with warm interest
to the latter beverage, which soon produced a visible effect. His eyes
rolled, and he began to talk away in a thick, husky voice. Senhor Silva
again whispered a few words to Stanley, who thereon recommended Kate and
Bella to retire to their cabin. It now appeared to me that the captain
and King Mungo were warmly engaged in bargaining, judging by their
gestures and way of speaking. The captain pressed more spirits on his
guest. He would, it seemed, have continued drinking till he was unable
to move, had not one of his attendants whispered in his ear, and at
length snatched the glass out of his hand. The bargaining now once more
went on, and seemed to be concluded to the satisfaction of both parties.
At length his majesty rose,