CHAPTER X.
I nyota’s Tranquil L and.
Camp fires in the distance—Eeappearance of John—His miserable looks—
Sandani is gratified—Camp before Inyota—Karemba’s eccentricities—
John s troubles Kaffir ingratitude—The Bushman lost—A vain search
—My terrified companion—The numerous wives of Sandani—The
“ oracle” sings the praises of the white man—Chibabura’s reception—
A palaver—Wonders of the mirror—Physicing the crowd—Settling
Sandam’s claims—The Rock of Wisdom—Chibahura’s town—Native
workmanship — Bark blankets — Pottery — A favoured land and
people— Makorikori songs — Character of the people — Customs—
Knowledge of agriculture—Contentment—Freedom from crime—Their
life compared with civilised poverty—A peaceful scene—Oh, happy
and favoured Inyota!
P e ering into the darkness, for some time, I thought I
could discern far away the flames of what might be large
camp fires. The distance was so great, however, that even
with the telescope I could not be sure of the sight. But
the sign gave me a ray of hope. By noon next day John
might appear.
When I returned I found that our small camp was gar-«
nished with the beef of the ox which the king had sent. It
was inadvisable to keep it longer. In passing, I may say
that the breed of cattle is small, but the beef is as good
as any that I have tasted. To me it seemed far superior
to any antelope meat.
The morning came and passed without event. I looked
out for John continuously, but he did not appear. About
four o clock in the afternoon I was watching Karemba
broiling a piece of steak, and turning it round before the
fire with his filthy fingers, when a thrill of excitement
moved the camp to activity. What could it be that roused
this lazy band of loiterers ? My eyes did not deceive me—
John, by Jove!
Yes, John truly! But he looked like the proverbial shadow
of death! Undoubtedly something was wrong; but I was
accustomed, unfortunately, to receive more tidings of evil
than of good. So I welcomed him as heartily as possible,!
He spoke little in reply, only murmuring a few words.
My intention was to make a move the moment the party
had arrived: I wanted to get nearer to the king’s town.
After John’s appearance hardly a minute was lost. Old
Sandani was longing for a fresh opportunity to roll out
sonorous sentences which otherwise would have had no
chance of being left upon the sands of time; but I knew
that acceding to his persuasive delay by allowing him to
commence his harangue would mean that the sheet anchor
had been cast.
We proceeded until we reached a point within a few
hundred yards of the gates of Inyota. Few events, no
matter how serious, haVe not their ridiculous side. Here
old Sandani squinted at me with a gleam of satisfaction
inspired by the arrival of the shop. The expression on his
odd looking physiognomy, told, as clearly as visage could
tell, “ You see what I have done! Didn’t I say so?”
Great, however, was the satisfaction of knowing that now
the camp was moved to a point where there was every
reason to hope that a new and a well organised start might
be effected with an entirely fresh set of carriers. And now
that the loads were lightening, still fewer numbers were
required.
The new camping ground was a distinct improvement