[Illustration: HUTS OF EAST CENTRAL AFRICA.] 1. Wangwana hut in camp. 2. Do. do. 3. Unyamwei hut. 4. Hut of Karagwé Uddu. 5. Hut of Uganda. 6. Small tembé of Ugogo. ---------------------------------------------------------------- As Mtesa grew to man’s estate, Magassa the boy also became a young man, for he was about the same age as his master, and, retaining and improving those qualities which first attracted the monarch’s eyes, was promoted in time to be a Mtongoleh of the body-guard, and a double-barrelled gun was put into his hands, with the power of gunpowder, and a few bullets and percussion caps, which caused the heart of young Magassa to bound with joy. Perhaps he was even prouder in the possession of a gun than he was of his rank, for frequently the Mtongoleh of the body-guard has only the empty name to boast of. However, being Mtongoleh (or colonel), he was liable to be despatched at a moment’s notice to distant parts of the Empire on special service, and the day came finally when Magassa was chosen. Imagine a young British subaltern despatched by the Queen’s command, specially chosen by the Queen for special service. How the young heart palpitates, and the nerves tingle with delight! He spurns the ground, and his head aspires to the stars! If a young British officer feels so joyful at a constitutional sovereign’s choice, what must the elect of a despotic autocrat like the Emperor of Uganda, feel? No sooner has he left the imperial presence with the proud command ringing in his ears than his head seems to swell, and almost burst from delirious vertigo. His back, hitherto bent through long servile dread, has suddenly become rigid and straight as the staff of his spear, and an unusual sternness of face has somehow replaced the bland smiles which hitherto decked it. For is he not “Kabaka” while on the Emperor’s errand? Do not his soldiers respond to him when summoned with aweful alacrity, saying, “‘Kabaka’ (Emperor), behold us”? Woe to the party from whom offence came if young Magassa was sent with his warriors to them! And woe to the warrior who committed any breach of discipline when under Magassa’s command, or even to him who crossed his humour when on the march on special service! Magassa’s spear was sharp and swift, and his hands were at all times quick to gather spoil, and soon it was observed that the poor Magassa was getting rich in slaves, waxing great in name, and becoming exceedingly influential at court. Promotions rewarded his adroitness and quick execution of commands, lands of his own and bounties of slaves and cattle were bestowed upon him, until Magassa became a Mkungu, or chief, of the second order.