84 * WILD LIFE UNDER THE EQUATOR. 
At length through the thick crowd I discovered the 
body of Irende. It was seated on a stool, the back lean- 
ing against the wall. It was dressed in an old coat, and 
by its side was a harp—for Irende had the reputation 
of being a great musician; there also lay his spear and 
his gun, which were to be buried with him. 
His wives were round him, talking, begging him to 
MOURNING THE DEAD. 
speak to them, and then silence followed. No answer 
came. Then there burst forth a heart-piercing wail. 
‘He is dead! he is dead!” they shouted. “His lips 
will speak to us no more; he will not hunt for us any 
more; he will play no more on the womli for us!” Then 
all ended in a long plaintive song. . 
The mother came, and kneeling before him took hold 
