Page:Two kings of Uganda.djvu/100

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VISITS OF CONDOLENCE.

boat. On the way they had been robbed of their clothing and had had to run for their lives. When Mackay heard the news, he launched the boat at once, and made her ready for sea, in case the mission should be destroyed and we should be compelled to seek refuge on the lake. The people who brought him news of the king's death assured him that his place would be plundered.

At this time every one in the country was standing on the defensive, awaiting the onset of his neighbours, so that there really remained nobody to make an attack.

Meanwhile, we at the mission had gone to see the chiefs, and to express our condolence upon the death of Mutesa. Mr. O'Flaherty went in the morning, and I in the afternoon, taking a present of fine calico to offer for the king's obsequies.

As I drew near the court, I heard the sound of bitter wailing, and on my arrival found myself among a weeping crowd.

The principal chiefs were collected together in a little temporary hut, sitting on the floor dressed in dirty bark-cloths, and shedding tears piteously, while, in the great house where the dead king lay, his wives were crying and loudly lamenting him.

I had been told it was the custom to kill the unsuccessful candidate for the throne, and as I was personally interested in Mwanga and another lad, sons of the late emperor, whom I knew, I begged the

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