Despite this secrecy, however, it soon became publicly known that King Ma’anda and his mother had left the palace, accompanied by a peasant, and that they had taken the direction of the forest, towards which they had been seen travelling with rapid steps by one who communicated the information to the Katekiro. This news plunged the principal chief of the kingdom into a state of perplexity. He was for a moment at a loss what to do, for had his master desired any other company he would undoubtedly have made it known; but, on the other hand, this conduct was inexplicable, and the king might have been lured by some cunning plausible tale to proceed in this manner, whereby he might be destroyed without detection. As the thought of treachery to the king flashed through his mind, he instantly resolved to follow him and watch after his safety, and should the peasant mean harm to him, he would be at hand, though unsuspected, to assist his master. He therefore seized his spear and shield, and sped away after the king in stealthy pursuit. Soon he discovered the king, the king’s mother, and the peasant, and, slackening his steps, sought only to keep them in view, and to elude the quick, searching glances which he saw the king frequently dart behind him. They travelled in this manner all that day and half of the next day, when the peasant informed the king that they were approaching the appointed place. The king, to assure himself that they had not been followed by any one, looked keenly around once more, and having satisfied himself that they were alone, he commanded the peasant to move on and point out the meeting-place. Gliding under the shadows of the dense grove surrounding the open space, they soon emerged from them, and were in front of the extraordinary assembly, who appeared to have preserved the same posture and attitude since the departure of the peasant on his errand to the king. As the three advanced near the extremity of the rows of seated warriors, the old man on the throne asked the king, who was in advance, and gazing on the scene with the greatest astonishment, “Who art thou?” “I am Ma’anda,” he replied. “Art thou the king?” “I am.” “And who is that woman with thee?” the old man demanded. “My mother,” the king answered. “It is well,” said he; “but how is it you did not observe what I commanded? Why came ye not alone?” “We have done exactly as we were told,” said the king. “There are only my mother and this peasant with me, for no one knew of my departure.” “But I have seen another man behind thee,” persisted the old man. “Tell me who he is?” “Rest assured,” said Ma’anda, “there is no man save this peasant with me, for yesterday and to-day I looked several times behind me to make sure that I was not followed.” “Who was the first king of Uganda?” suddenly asked the old man. “Kintu,” answered Ma’anda.