I sent Monsoor to call the chief, Matonse, whose house was within 200 yards of the government divan.
Monsoor shortly returned without Matonse. He had brought an interpreter from this chief, in lieu of Umbogo, who was incapacitated; and Matonse had sent a message "that he could not come to me in the dark, but he would call on the following day."
In the mean time an ominous stillness reigned throughout the usually boisterous population of Masindi. Not a sound was to be heard, although the nightly custom of the people was singing, howling, and blowing horns.
My arms and ammunition were always in readiness, but I filled up my pouches to the maximum of fifty cartridges, and at midnight I went to bed.
I woke frequently to listen, as I was anxious, and therefore slept lightly. The faithful Monsoor was under arms, and was pacing throughout the whole night before my door; he never slept.
At about 2 A.M. there was a sound throughout the town of fowls cackling, as though they were being disturbed and caught while at roost.
At about 3 A.M. the lowing of cattle was heard, as though Kabba Rega's cows were being driven off.
A little after 5 A.M. I got up, and went out at daybreak to visit the sick within the fort. I found Monsoor waiting by my door.
The emetics had counteracted the poison, and my patients, although weakly, were quite out of danger.
Having examined them, I ordered the men to their quarters, and they all left the fort, with the exception of the night guard.