away on our right, the latter forming a continuous rocky
line northwards to Lake Nyassa, and hemming in the high
tableland of eastern equatorial Africa.
The Landin call these mountains Makurungwe or
Makungwa. We crossed the well-watered rivers, the
Mkondozi and Mauni. The steep alluvial banks of the
former are clothed with mopani and tropical shrubs.
Mounting the tortuous path that winds up the southern
slopes of the Jandani mountain, we reached a point which
was 5,200 feet above the sea-level, this being the highest
altitude attained during the whole journey, and viewed
towards the south and east the crowns of a thousand hills.
Floating in the heavens were countless nebulae, wafted by
the prevailing winds from the distant Indian Ocean, and
bearing their rain-charged vapours on to the mountain
regions.
In a little time we descended the grass-covered slopes.
The Gutambo mountain rose up close on our right. We
made our camp amid large rocks, which were piled in the
centre of the Rumbuni river.
Recent marches had been accomplished almost wholly
during the night. A much greater distance can be covered
in this way, and with less fatigue, than by pursuing the
journey during the heat of the day. Near to the Mkondozi
river, which we were approaching, five of the Landin
deserted; but their loads in the first instance having been
rice, now almost entirely consumed, the disaffection was
not altogether to be regretted. Much, however, depended
upon the loyalty of the few who remained, for they were the
guides. The Maravi hunters, as a rule, know the country;
but unfortunately those who were with me were quite
ignorant of the routes.
The camping-place we had pitched upon was decidedly
FAMISHING FOLLOWERS. 79
novel; for we were in the middle of the channel, lodging
among huge boulders, about which the waters dashed furiously
on every side. Although the Mkondozi is not a wide
stream, it carries a large volume of water, and the current
is very swift.
When we had settled down for a little, the Maravi men
came before me in couples, shuffling their feet, and clapping
their abdomens, as they asked for food.
| We must go back,” said they, “ we cannot go farther
with ‘ Igrezi.’ We will die for want. We cannot walk
without food.”
To me it seemed irrational, even for savages, to force
these endless supplications for food in a country where it
was absolutely impossible to procure it. At that especial
time I felt that my turn for complaint had arrived.
“ Why have you loitered on the way,” I asked, “ until
the food has almost disappeared? I warned you that we
must hurry to some country where we could buy food.
I have done my best to shoot game for you, and you still
have some dried meat left.”
I saw one of their number carrying a goatskin full of
meal which had been brought for me. This I divided
equally amongst the Maravi, at the same time cautioning
them on the imperative necessity of economy, and showing
the thoughtless folly of their proposal to return to Tette,
as they would assuredly starve long ere they reached the
river.
Nothing was said in reply. A very unlucky thing was
that Chibanga, the headman of the Maravi, was suffering
from swollen legs, an extraordinary infirmity for one of his
race; it had the effect of making him very sulky.
I continued expostulating with the people. One question
I would ask before they decided to leave me.