The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-09
S T A N L e Y
CONTINUED FROM FIFTH PAGE. !

Bhing men. But were disappointed to hear the
nrge number OF people on the plateau above the
ullage shouting their war cry.
TO EAT OR DIE.
stlIl we pressed nearer the beach; hunger gave us
much confidence, and q rich tribute, we were sure,
would pacify the most beligerent chief. Perceiving
that we persisted In approaching their shore the peo
pie rushed down the slope OF the plateau toward u.s.
Prudence whispered to me to at least get ready our
runs which l accordingly did, and then rowed
slowly toward the beach, certain that, If hostities
began, Indications of such would appear in time TO
enable us to withdraw from the shore.
SAVAGE RUsE
We halted at the distance OF twenty yards from
Shore and observed that the wild behavior OF the
natives changed, they approached nearer, to
anabilty and iriendhness. We exchanged the usual
friendly greetings, and were invited to come ashore
In such tones disspated the least suspicion from
our minds. No sooner however, had the keel OF the
. boat grounded than the apparently friendly natives
rushed In body and seized the boat and dragged
her high and dry land. with all on board The
reader may imagine the number OF natives required
TO perform this feat when state that the boat bag
gage and crew weighed nearly 1000 pounds.
TERRIBLE MOMENT.
Twice raised my revolvers to Kill and be killed,
but the crew restrained me, saying it was
premature TO fight, as these people were
friends and all would be right. Accordingly
/ sat down in the stern sheets and waited
Vba
fast increased In numbers and the hubbub grew
greater. Violent language and more violent action
we received without comment or word on our part.
Spears held in their hands rs II on the launch,
arrows were drawn to the head and pointed at each
Of us with frenzied looks and eyes almost bursting
out OF their sockets.
BLACK FURIES.
The apparently friendly savages seemed to be now
personhed furies. Throughout all the scenes OF
civilized and savage life which have witnessed l
never saw mad rage or wild fury painted truly
before on human features. 1t led them to the verge
of absurdity even. They struck the ground and the
boat, stamped, foamed at the mouth, CRASHED their
teeth slashed the air with their spears, but they
shed no blood. The chief Shekka prevented this,
reserving that pleasure, presume, for more OPP
perfume time when new excitement would be
required
EFFORTS FOR PEACE.
Our interpreters, In the meantime, were by no
means idle; they employed to the utmost whatever
gifts OF persuasion nature had endowed them with
and fear created in Them without however, exhibit
7 CTR
to admiration by the manly way In which they
stated objects and purposes in travelling on the
Niyanza, and by the composure of their bearing.
The savages themselves observed this, and COM
mented on 1t with surprise. This calm behavior of
the crew and interpreters acted as a sedative on
the turbulence and ranting violence OF the savages,
though it broke out and then, sputterng ftfuly
with the widest OF gestures and most murderous
demonstrations.
THREE MORTAL HOURS
For three hours sat in the stern sheets OF the
boat observing all these preiminaries of tragedy
which felt sure was about to be enacted, silent,
except now and then communicating suggestion
TO the interpreters, and seemingly an unconcerned
spectator. But | was not idle. wished to impose
on the savages by my behavior. was busy
planning resistance and an escape. Aswe were
In their power it only remained for ms TO be quiet
until they proceeded to acts of violence, and In the
meantime endeavor TO purchase peace, or at least
postpone the strife.
sHEKKAs TREACHERY.
Conformably with these ideas the interpreters
were instructed to offer cloths and beads to the
chief shekka, who appeared to have des-
ootc authority over all, Judging from
the reverential and ready obedience paid
to his commands. Shckka demanded four
cloths and ten necklaces OF large beads as
his price for permitting to depart in peace They
were paid to him. Having secured them he or
dcred his people seize our oars, which was done
before we understood what they were about. This
WAS the second time that Shekka had acted cum
ningly and treacherously, and loud jeerng laugh
from his people showed him how much they appreci-
ated his wit.
A PROSPECTIVE HONEY FEAST.
After Selling the oars Shekka and his people
slowly went to their village to eat their noon meal
and to discuss what other measures should be
adopted toward the strangers. woman came near
MS. and told us to eat honey with Shekka, as 1t
was the only way to our lives, for Shekka and
his people had determined to kill and take every
thing we had. The coxswain OF the boat sent
10 prefer terms of brotherhood TO shekka The
eoxswain was told TO be at ease, no harm was in
tended u.s. and on the next day shekka promised
he and his people should eat honey and make last
ing and sure brotherhood with us.