20th May, 1867.—­Chitimba’s village was near in the same direction; here we found a large party of Arabs, mostly black Suahelis.  They occupied an important portion of the stockaded village, and when I came in, politely showed me to a shed where they are in the habit of meeting.  After explaining whence I had come, I showed them the Sultan’s letter.  Harnees presented a goat, two fowls, and a quantity of flour.  It was difficult to get to the bottom of the Nsama affair, but according to their version that chief sent an invitation to them, and when they arrived called for his people, who came in crowds—­as he said to view the strangers.  I suspect that the Arabs became afraid of the crowds and began to fire; several were killed on both sides, and Nsama fled, leaving his visitors in possession of the stockaded village and all it contained.  Others say that there was a dispute about an elephant, and that Nsama’s people were the aggressors.  At any rate it is now all confusion; those who remain at Nsama’s village help themselves to food in the surrounding villages and burn them, while Chitimba has sent for the party who are quartered here to come to him.  An hour or two after we arrived a body of men came from Kasonso, with the intention of proceeding into the country of Nsama, and if possible catching Nsama, “he having broken public law by attacking people who brought merchandise into the country.”  This new expedition makes the Arabs resolve to go and do what they can to injure their enemy.  It will just be a plundering foray—­each catching what he can, whether animal or human, and retiring when it is no longer safe to plunder!

This throws the barrier of a broad country between me and Lake “Moero” in the west, but I trust in Providence a way will be opened.  I think now of going southwards and then westwards, thus making a long detour round the disturbed district.

The name of the principal Arab is Hamees Wodim Tagh, the other is Syde bin Alie bin Mansure:  they are connected with one of the most influential native mercantile houses in Zanzibar.  Hamees has been particularly kind to me in presenting food, beads, cloth, and getting information.  Thami bin Snaelim is the Arab to whom my goods are directed at Ujiji.

24th May, 1867.—­At Chitimba’s we are waiting to see what events turn up to throw light on our western route.  Some of the Arabs and Kasonso’s men went off to-day:  they will bring information perhaps as to Nsama’s haunts, and then we shall move south and thence west.  Wrote to Sir Thomas Maclear, giving the position of Liemba and to Dr. Seward, in case other letters miscarry.  The hot season is beginning now.  This corresponds to July further south.

Three goats were killed by a leopard close to the village in open day.

28th May, 1867.—­Information came that Nsama begged pardon of the.  Arabs, and would pay all that they had lost.  He did not know of his people stealing from them:  we shall hear in a day or two whether the matter is to be patched up or not.  While some believe his statements, others say, “Nsama’s words of peace are simply to gain time to make another stockade:”  in the mean time Kasonso’s people will ravage all his country on this eastern side.