“No, we should not venture to avail ourselves of their services without your permission. But we are not concerned about the Arabs leaving us, for the moment we have the royal word that is sufficient security for us.” “Yes, you can depend upon me. I am Emin Pasha’s friend.” “Then will you grant what I have asked?” “This very moment I grant what my friend asks. Establish your stations on the lake. I will issue orders to my chiefs to furnish corn to the soldiers who are stationed there.” “I pray you for another favor.” “Speak. I am ready to grant whatever you wish.” “Biri [an Arab trader] left the coast for here two months ago and is detained by your people on the frontier. Issue an order for them to let him come.” “And how do you know Biri is there?” “I know it.” “Who told you about it?” “No one.” “It cannot be possible.” “Oh yes, very possible. Listen to me. When Dr. Junker left [Junker went to Zanzibar when all hope of going to the northern route vanished] he promised the governor to send necessary supplies by Biri. It is not only possible, but certain, that he must be here.” “Biri is sent to make trouble in my kingdom. He shall not set foot in it.” “You are wrong. He must come. We are here in consequence of your express assurances. We expect that they will be carried out.” “It is my people who do not wish Biri to come here. I cannot oppose them. It is for my interest to keep their good-will.” “It is the evil Abd Rahmann [one of Kabrega’s ministers] who is ruining your country with his pernicious influence.” “I am the king. I command and do not need instruction from anyone as to my duties.” “I well understand the truth hurts you, but you cannot prevent it being told to you. Emin Pasha wishes Biri to come. If you do not obey, he will feel compelled to resort to other means.” “And what?” “He will write to Said Bargash of the Egyptian government. What will you say then?” “By what route can he send letters if I close mine?” “By a hundred ways, for there are as many. He first applied to you because he regarded you as a friend and not because necessity forced him to.” “It is not possible that Emin would have thought of this if you had not made the suggestion. This plan for my disadvantage originated with you.” “It is an honest man who is speaking to you. If I had been dishonest I would have overwhelmed you with compliments to secure your favor and attention.” “Biri shall come in the morning.” “Good! I thank you.”