purpose of getting information as to the contour of
the territory of the Wamsara, we had noticed that
the valley inhabited by these people was wider at its
centre; hence our endeavour was to reach this portion
of the country, if possible, ere we were attacked by
the natives. A t 6.30 we crossed a little stream, and
by seven had halted upon a small knoll commanding
a good view of the surrounding country, and intersected
by many broad paths. Near us (in fact, not
more than 200 yards distant) in several places were
scattered groups of native huts. These appeared to
be deserted by the male inhabitants, but were thronged
with women and children, who eyed us curiously for
a short time and then made off.
Upon reaching the knoll, I placed at its centre our
sick, with the loads of trading-goods and donkeys,
and with my men formed a circle around the stores.
We had scarcely taken our position ere I noticed at
one of the villages near by a man past middle age,
who was clad somewhat more luxuriously than any
of the Wamsara I had seen before. About his head
was bound a wide strip of red cotton, and from his
shoulders depended a cloak made from the skins of
monkeys. Through Motio I entered into conversation
with this man, but could learn nothing from him;
so by a quick movement I succeeded in seizing and
binding him. I then brought him to our little knoll,
and explained to him that even then our intentions
were purely friendly. We had waited long enough
for the Wamsara to bring us food and open trade
with us. Under the circumstances we felt justified
in seizing food, but in order to prove our good intentions
I was willing to wait until the sun reached a
certain point (which I indicated — about nine o’clock),
to afford the Wamsara ample time in which to bring
us food and open trade. Should they not avail themselves
of this opportunity, but one course remained
for us — to seize sufficient food to supply the immediate
needs of our caravan at all hazards. If they
wished to attack us, well and good; but let them
first get our trading-goods by barter; then, if they
considered themselves sufficiently strong, they could
attack us and deprive us of all the food they had
sold us.
The old man listened to my remarks with stolid
countenance, and at their conclusion a shadowy smile
lit up his features. Motio shook his head and said:
“ Master, there is no use in waiting any longer; the
Wamsara will attack us in a moment.” With these
words he waved his hands to the surrounding hills,
then black with warriors, and ringing with their savage
shouts.
The eyes of my men were all centred upon me.
They seemed to lose sight of the danger in which they
were, placed, as if their minds were imbued with but
one idea — food. They murmured: “ In these villages
near at hand there is food in plenty; we must fight
soon, but before fighting let us eat.”
Some one has said that Scotchmen fight better when
they are hungry; but my small experience has convinced
me this is not the case with negroes.
The numbers of the natives upon the surrounding
hills momentarily increased, and I felt the necessity of
striking an immediate blow, before the courage of my