the Chiberase River, which flows briskly,
eight yards broad and deep, through a mile of sponge. We came in the
midst of a general jollification, and were most bountifully supplied
with pombe and food. The Banyamwezi acknowledge allegiance to the
Sultan of Zanzibar, and all connected with him are respected.
Kombokombo pressed food and drink on me, and when I told him that I
had nothing to return for it, he said that he expected nothing: he was
a child of the Sultan, and ought to furnish all I needed.

_11th July, 1868._--On leaving the Chiberase we passed up over a long
line of hills with many villages and gardens, but mostly deserted
during the Mazitu raid. The people fled into the forests on the hills,
and were an easy prey to the marauders, who seem to have been
unmerciful. When we descended into the valley beyond we came to a
strong stockade, which had successfully resisted the onset of the
Mazitu; we then entered on flat forest, with here and there sponges
containing plenty of water; plains succeeded the hills, and continued
all the way to Bangweolo. We made a fence in the forest; and next day
_(12th July)_ reached the Rofuba, 50 yards broad and 4-1/2 feet deep,
full of aquatic plants, and flowing south-west into the Luongo: it had
about a mile and a half of sponge on each side of it. We encamped a
little south of the river.

_13th July, 1868._--On resting at a deserted spot, the men of a
village in the vicinity came to us excited and apparently drunk, and
began to work themselves up still more by running about, poising their
spears at us, taking aim with their bows and arrows, and making as if
about to strike with their axes: they thought that we were marauders,
and some plants of ground-nuts strewn about gave colour to the idea.
There is usually one good soul in such rabbles. In this case a man
came to me, and, addressing his fellows, said, "This is only your
pombe. White man, do not stand among them, but go away," and then he
placed himself between me and a portion of the assailants, about
thirty of whom were making their warlike antics. While walking quietly
away with my good friend they ran in front and behind bushes and
trees, took aim with bow and arrow, but none shot: the younger men ran
away with our three goats. When we had gone a quarter of a mile my
friend told me to wait and he would bring the goats, which he did: I
could not feel the inebriates to be enemies; but in that state they
are the worst one