In Madelai they heard nothing of the fearful hordes of Kerem Allah. The people gladly turned to farm labor and the looms were at work again. Emin resumed his scientific pursuits and had it not been for his utter seclusion from the world and his lack of ammunition which had been nearly exhausted in subduing the savages in his vicinity, he and his people, who were absolutely loyal to him, might have been glad to remain to the end of their lives in this lost nook of the world. It was imperative, however, to secure the possibility of return, and on this account Casati was sent to King Kabrega at Unjoro, whom Emin had previously known and who had given him many proofs of his friendship.

On the second of June, 1886, Casati had a public audience with King Kabrega. The monarch wore an elegant cloak of wonderful fineness and a red head-covering in the Arab style. He sat in a great armchair with his "exalted" feet resting upon a beautiful leopard skin. His colossal figure, which was above the ordinary height, an expressive countenance, rather overbearing than friendly, and his very ready tongue and studied movements made a pleasant impression upon everyone who met him for the first time. His first-born son sat at his left, upon a stool, the others standing. His leaders were camped in a circle about the cabins, sitting, Arab fashion, upon the ground covered with green papyrus. Behind the king there hung a silk drapery of Indian handiwork, brought from Zanzibar, and behind this drapery from time to time children's faces, full of curiosity, peeped out. Six youths of the most distinguished families, with weapons in their hands, stood around the throne. Casati sat at the right of the king, a few steps distant, and presented the message of the governor.

Emin Pasha — Part 17

Emin requested a free and open way for the transmission of his letters to the coast, free passage of soldiers and officials to Egypt, and lastly the privilege of securing produce from the merchants of Unjoro and the sending of a representative to Madelai. The king seemingly assented to all the propositions, but Casati quickly observed that a hostile faction ruled him and that his good intentions might not be carried out. The passage of the post was permitted, but letters coming from the coast had to be submitted to certain conditions. Troops were also allowed free passage, but only in single detachments and a limited number at a time, which made it easy to attack and destroy them. Kabrega agreed to send a representative to Madelai and was generous in words and promises for his "doctor friend," as he called the governor. The second audience took place on the tenth of October, 1886.

Emin Pasha — Part 17