176 MAYOLO. Chap. IX. 



on the bodies of the victims if they should succumb 

 under the ordeal ; if the accused should become un- 

 steady under the influence of the poison and stumble, 

 the now quiet crowd would become suddenly frenzied 

 and unmanageable. All seemed eager for the sacrifice 

 of victims to their superstitious fears. It is chiefly 

 through the immunity with which they can drink the 

 poison that the doctors obtain such power over the 

 people ; and no wonder, when so many people die 

 under it. The mboundou is a most violent poison. 

 This was proved by the analysis of its roots which I 

 caused to be made after my former journey. 



A breathless silence prevailed whilst the young 

 men took the much-dreaded cups of liquid and boldly 

 swallowed the contents ; the whispering of the wind 

 could be heard through the leaves of the surrounding 

 trees. But it was only of short duration. As soon 

 as the poison was drunk, the crowd began to beat their 

 sticks on the ground, and shout, " If they are wizards, 

 let the mboundou kill them ; if innocent, let it go 

 out ! " repeating the words as long as the suspense 

 lasted. The struggle was a severe one ; the eyes of 

 the young men became bloodshot, their limbs trembled 

 convulsively, and every muscle in their bodies was 

 visibly working under the potent irritation. The 

 more acute their sufferings became, the louder vocife- 

 rated the excited assembly. I was horror-stricken, and, 

 although I would gladly have fled from the place, 

 felt transfixed to the spot. I knew that if they fell 

 I should have no power to save them, but should 

 be forced to see them torn limb from limb. At 

 lenjrth, however, the crisis came — a sudden shiver of 



