On the second of June, 1886, Casati had a public audience with King Kabrega. The monarch wore an elegant cloak of wonderful fineness and a red head-covering in the Arab style. He sat in a great armchair with his “exalted” feet resting upon a beautiful leopard skin. His colossal figure, which was above the ordinary height, an expressive countenance, rather overbearing than friendly, and his very ready tongue and studied movements made a pleasant impression upon everyone who met him for the first time. His first-born son sat at his left, upon a stool, the others standing. His leaders were camped in a circle about the cabins, sitting, Arab fashion, upon the ground covered with green papyrus. Behind the king there hung a silk drapery of Indian handiwork, brought from Zanzibar, and behind this drapery from time to time children’s faces, full of curiosity, peeped out. Six youths of the most distinguished families, with weapons in their hands, stood around the throne. Casati sat at the right of the king, a few steps distant, and presented the message of the governor. Emin requested a free and open way for the transmission of his letters to the coast, free passage of soldiers and officials to Egypt, and lastly the privilege of securing produce from the merchants of Unjoro and the sending of a representative to Madelai. The king seemingly assented to all the propositions, but Casati quickly observed that a hostile faction ruled him and that his good intentions might not be carried out. The passage of the post was permitted, but letters coming from the coast had to be submitted to certain conditions. Troops were also allowed free passage, but only in single detachments and a limited number at a time, which made it easy to attack and destroy them. Kabrega agreed to send a representative to Madelai and was generous in words and promises for his “doctor friend,” as he called the governor. The second audience took place on the tenth of October, 1886. “The governor,” said Casati, “begs permission to establish two military stations on the lake” (Albert Lake). “And what are you going to do at the lake?” “The soldiers at the northern stations are in daily danger of attack by the rebels at Khartoum.” “So, you intend to take possession of my territory?” “On the contrary, our stay will be short. At a favorable opportunity we will withdraw and you will not only be ruler of Schuli and Lut, but will have the warehouses which are well supplied with ivory, iron, and brass. The two Egyptian steamers in a short time will enable you to compare in resources with Waganda. But why do no brokers come here? It seems impossible that Mackay [a business friend in Zanzibar], after all the promises he has made us, should not be interested in our favor.” “The Wagandans have placed obstacles in the brokers’ way. But have the Arabs never delivered letters or newspapers to you?”