As we were now in a dangerous neighbourhood, it behoved us to form a proper camp, as a small party would be compelled to remain upon this island until the remainder of the Expedition could be brought from Refuge Island. For this purpose, every hand was employed to clear the scrub and bush for a distance of 200 yards from the cove, and a road 12 feet wide was cut from the south side of Mahyiga Island to the north end. About 5 P.M. while we were still at work, two large canoes approached cautiously from the direction of Iroba Island towards our cove. They took great pains to ascertain the number of our canoes, and we could see that they endeavoured to reckon up the number of men on the island before they spoke a word. Finally they hailed us, and Lukanjah, of Ukerewé, and Kijaju’s man were requested to reply to them. Our conversation, which was of great interest to us, as we burned to know what to expect from Bumbireh, was as follows:— “Is this the white chief who was at Bumbireh?” “Yes.” “Oh, he was not lost on the Nianja then?” “No, he lives, and has returned.” “Oh. The white chief must not be angry with Iroba. We did not trouble him, therefore he has no quarrel with us. The people of Bumbireh are bad. What has the white chief come for?” “He is going to Uganda.” “How can he go to Uganda? Does he not know that Bumbireh is in the way, and Ihangiro’s eyes will be upon him? Will he fly?” “No; he will proceed by water in his canoes. Tell Bumbireh the white chief is not afraid; his young men are many in number. If the men of Bumbireh wish to make friends, let Shekka send the oars he stole, and the white chief will be glad.” “Magassa,” replied they, “who camped on that island you are on, received the oars from Shekka, and he took them away to Uganda, believing you were lost in the Nianja.” “The white chief was not lost; he is here. If it is true that the oars are gone to Uganda, let Shekka make friends with the white chief, and send him two or three men to go with him to Makongo, in Uzongora, or to Uganda, as Lukongeh of Ukerewé and Kijaju of Komeh have done, and there will be no more words between them.” “Shekka is very strong, and the men of Bumbireh are bold. Antari of Ihanghiro, the great king, is stronger, and Shekka is his son. All this Nianja about here is his water, and they will not let you pass. What will the white chief do?” “Tell Shekka and Antari, his father, that the white chief will remain here for many days. He will be glad to hear good words from them. When he is ready to go away, he will let them know. If the king of Iroba is the white chief’s friend, let him send food here to sell.” After promising to perform all that we required, and to bring food the next day, the two canoes paddled away, two or three of their crews laughing ostentatiously.