Nsama is said to be waiting for the Arabs in his new stockade.  It is impossible to ascertain exactly who is to blame in this matter, for I hear one side only; but the fact of the chiefs in this part of the country turning out so readily to punish his breach of public law, and no remonstrance coming from him, makes me suspect that Nsama is the guilty party.  If he had been innocent he certainly would have sent to ask the Bulungu, or Baeulungu, why they had attacked his people without cause.

[Here is an entry concerning the tribe living far to the East.]

The Wasongo seem much like Zulus; they go naked, and have prodigious numbers of cattle, which occupy the same huts with their owners.  Oxen two shukahs each; plenty of milk.  Merere is very liberal with his cattle, and gives every one an ox:  there is no rice, but maize and maere.  Hamees left the people to cultivate rice.  Merere had plenty of ivory when the Arabs came first, but now has none.

1st July, 1867.—­New moon to-day.  They are very particular as to the time of offering up prayers, and in making charms.  One to-night was at 10 P.M. exactly.

A number of cabalistic figures were drawn by Halfani, and it is believed that by these Nsama’s whereabouts may be ascertained; they are probably remains of the secret arts which prevailed among Arabs before Mahomet appeared.  These Suaheli Arabs appear to have come down the coast before that Prophet was born.

3rd July, 1867.—­Kasonso’s people are expected.  All the captives that were taken are to be returned, and a quantity of cloth given to Nsama in addition:  so far all seems right.  The new moon will appear to-night.  The Arabs count from one appearance to the next, not, as we do, from its conjunction with the sun to the next.

4th July, 1867.—­Katawanya came from near Liemba to join the peacemakers.  He and his party arrived at Liemba after we did; he sent his people all round to seek ivory; they don’t care for anything but ivory, and cannot understand why I don’t do the same.

6th July, 1867.—­An earthquake happened at 3.30 P.M., accompanied with a hollow rumbling sound; it made me feel as if afloat, but it lasted only a few seconds.  The boys came running to ask me what it was.  Nowhere could it be safer; the huts will not fall, and there are no high rocks near.  Barometer 25.0.  Temperature 68 deg. 5’.  Heavy cumuli hanging about; no rain afterwards.

7th July, 1867.—­Hamees started this morning with about 300 followers dressed in all their finery, and he declares that his sole object is peace.  Kasonso, Mombo, Chitimba send their people, and go themselves to lend all their influence in favour of peace.  Syde stops here.  Before starting Syde put some incense on hot coals, and all the leaders of the party joined in a short prayer; they seem earnest and sincere in their incantations, according to their knowledge and belief.  I wished to go too, but Hamees objected, as not being quite sure whether Nsama would be friendly, and he would not like anything to befall me when with him.