ground, and when they alighted they would wholly disappear
amidst the high grass.
During my sojourn in Angoni-land slavery was in full
swing, but in Chikuse’s town there were very few slaves
ready for transportation. Probably this was due to the fact
that it was the time of the king’s raid into the Shiri valley.
Literally on every hand evidences of the slave trade could
be seen, but in this instance I refer to the export, or rather
the east coast trade, the home traffic being of quite a
different character.
The latter branch of the business was exceedingly lively.
A caravan of three hundred and fifty, all told, left a town
a short distance to the north of Chikuse’s, and preparations
were being made when I left for the dispatch of
another.
Every village shows the familiar sight of the slave in
the yoke. After purchase the poor things are taken to the
headquarters of the east coast traders—nazaras, as the
people call the Zanzibar agents—some of whom are constantly
in this district. Two I can mention by name, Xuala
and Saide.
At the agents the yoke is made secure, and it is not
exaggeration to say that it is often allowed to remain upon
a slave for nine months or a year, night and day, without
being once taken off. Constant rubbing by the yoke upon
the neck chafes the skin, and gradually ugly wounds begin
to fester under the burning sunshine.
Slaves, however, are to some extent looked after with a
view to prevent serious bodily injury, the appearance of
which would certainly depreciate their marketable value.
Until all is ready for a start the miserable slave sits
waiting with all the compulsory and hopeless patience of
bondage. Day after day he sees the sun rise and set. The
SLAVE KIDNAPPEES. ANGONI-]