Page:Two kings of Uganda.djvu/86

and therefore not allowed inside the presence-chamber, was a man of great influence and power, and was always more or less our staunch friend.

Inside, and sitting on a mat near the king's head, was his favourite chief Kyambalango ("Leopard- clothed") or "Kyimbugwe;" whilst facing Kyambalango, sat the imperious chancellor. On the left of the doorway, on entering, were seated also on the ground two or three rows of the great lords, while in the space between the chiefs and the king camp-stools were placed for Mr. O'Flaherty and myself.

Further away, in the interior of the house, and facing the entrance, were seated a bevy of black beauties- the ladies or Bakyala of the king's household.

Strange to say, that while Europeans and Arabs immediately single out the light copper-coloured, beautiful hazel-eyed Bahuma women as bearing the palm of beauty, Mutesa and his chiefs admired rather the stouter-built women of a more decidedly pronounced negro type.

When we came into the royal presence, I was duly introduced to the king. I took off my hat, and made him a bow, which he acknowledged Arab fashion with an inclination of his head and by placing his hand upon his heart. He then motioned me to be seated on the camp-stool, a high honour rarely conferred even upon native chiefs, but generally granted to European visitors, though the Arabs were always made to sit on the floor.