The Kilima-Njaro Expedition by Harry Johnston

Throughout this period of anxiety, so monotonously related in the last chapter, I had held to one fixed resolve, to quit Moši when Kiongwe returned. Mandara's hostility had nothing to do with it. I never looked upon _that_ as any real obstacle in my path. It was rather that Mandara, whether friendly or otherwise, was comparatively powerless to aid me in my ascent of the higher regions of Kilima-njaro, just as he would have been powerless to prevent it had I established myself with his enemies. The upper road to the snow-peaks lay in the hands of the hostile league of Kibôšo, Kirua, and Maraṅu, who blockaded the western, northern, and eastern frontiers of Moši. All Mandara's power lay to the south. He was intimately allied with the Masai of Kisongo and Aruša, and they aided him in keeping open his southern border. This very fact, however, had to enter into my calculations. Mandara was very potent with the Masai; they paid him constant consultative visits. On one occasion, when he was in a good humour, he sent for me and introduced me to his robber allies, telling them he wished that they should see my face, and know it as one of his greatest friends, who must never be assaulted.

In all my rambles to and fro between Moši and Taveita, though I might be unaccompanied by more than half a dozen men, I was never interfered with by the Masai, whereas I used constantly to hear of their attacking other caravans; and whenever they did so, Mandara was generally in collusion. Consequently I knew that if I attempted to quit his kingdom against his will or without his leave, he had but to signal to the Masai, and they would effectually bring me to ruin.