The very day after this little mutiny, smoke was seen curling up
from the woods. Mr. Goodenough deemed it inexpedient to show himself
at once with so large a number of men. He, therefore, sent forward
Ostik with two of the Fans, each of whom could speak several native
dialects, to announce his coming. They returned in an hour saying
that the village was a very large one, and that the news of the
coming of two white men had created great excitement. The people
spoke of sending at once to their king, whom they called Malembe,
whose place, it seemed, was a day's march off.
They now prepared to enter the village. Ostik went first carrying
himself with the dignity of a beadle at the head of a school
procession. Two of the Houssas walked next. Mr. Goodenough and
Frank followed, their guns being carried by two Fans behind them.
Then came the long line of bearers, two of the Houssas walking
on each side as a baggage guard. The villagers assembled in great
numbers as they entered. The head man conducted the whites to his
hut. No women or children were to be seen, and the expression of
the men was that of fear rather than curiosity.
"They are afraid of the Fans," Mr.
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