In the Wilds of AfricaKingston, William Henry Giles
General
In the Wilds of Africa
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Africa -- Juvenile fiction
This answer did not satisfy Stanley, but he made no remark. Wine and
spirits were now placed on the table. His majesty, I observed, after
taking a glass or two of the former, applied himself with warm interest
to the latter beverage, which soon produced a visible effect. His eyes
rolled, and he began to talk away in a thick, husky voice. Senhor Silva
again whispered a few words to Stanley, who thereon recommended Kate and
Bella to retire to their cabin. It now appeared to me that the captain
and King Mungo were warmly engaged in bargaining, judging by their
gestures and way of speaking. The captain pressed more spirits on his
guest. He would, it seemed, have continued drinking till he was unable
to move, had not one of his attendants whispered in his ear, and at
length snatched the glass out of his hand. The bargaining now once more
went on, and seemed to be concluded to the satisfaction of both parties.
At length his majesty rose, and supported by his attendants, made his
way on deck, whence he was lowered in no very dignified state into his
canoe. He was followed on shore by the captain and two of his officers,
and a boat's crew well-armed. I observed that the schooner's guns were
run over to the side nearest the village, which they thus completely
commanded. As he was shoving off Stanley begged that he and I might be
allowed to accompany him. David evidently wished to go, but told me
that he would remain for the protection of his sisters.
"I do not quite like the look of things," he said; "and take care that
you and my brother do not go far from the shore."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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