In the Wilds of AfricaKingston, William Henry Giles
General
In the Wilds of Africa
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Africa -- Juvenile fiction
cleared space at a little distance from the banks. The crew sprang
aloft and furled sails, and in a few minutes the schooner was brought to
an anchor. Several canoes now came alongside, and in one of them was a
fat black fellow with a cocked hat and red jacket, and a piece of stuff
which looked very like an old flannel petticoat fastened round his
waist. The captain bowed very politely to him, as did his officers, and
he returned the salute in the same fashion. I asked Senhor Silva who he
was?
"Oh, he is King Mungo," he said; "a very important person in these
regions. The schooner has come here on a diplomatic mission, and though
he is an ugly-looking savage, we must treat him with every respect."
After the first greetings were over the captain ushered King Mungo and
three of his sable attendants, dressed in old nankeen jackets and tarry
trousers, into the cabin. Kate's astonishment was naturally very great
when she saw them. His majesty bowed to her with profound respect; and
I saw him afterwards, whenever he had the opportunity, casting glances
of admiration at her. Senhor Silva accounted to Captain Hyslop, as he
had done to me, for our entering the river.
"If we are to wait any time, I should like to go ashore and see the
nature of the country," said Stanley. "We shall probably be able to get
a little sport."
Senhor Silva hesitated, and then addressed the Portuguese captain.
"King Mungo declines to guarantee your safety, and without that it would
be madness to go into the interior," he answered.
"But we can keep along the banks of the river, and we may find some
sport there," said Stanley.
Again Senhor Silva brought forward many reasons for this being
inadvisable. "To say the truth," he added, "as I before explained to
our young friend here, my countrymen do not altogether trust us, and it
would not be wise to offend them."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account