Chap. XV. ENTERTAINMENT TO THE NATIVES. 305 



my intention, and the people came in great numbers 

 and formed a circle round me. The musical box 

 was brought out, wound up, and set playing. The 

 people were mute with amazement ; at first they did 

 not dare to look at the musical box, afterwards they 

 looked from me to the box and from the box to me, 

 evidently convinced that there was some communica- 

 tion between me and it. Then I went away into 

 the forest, the musical box still continuing to play. 

 When I came back there was still the same mute 

 amazement. The box was still playing, and the 

 people seemed to be sj^ell-bound, not one could utter 

 a word. When I saw that the tunes were played 

 out, I shouted out as loud as I could " Stop ! " and 

 the silence that ensued seemed to surprise them as 

 much as the music had done before. Then taking 

 my revolver I fired several times, and my men fired 

 off their guns. Whereupon with one accord the 

 Ashangos cried out, " Truly the Spirit has come 

 among us ! " 



So soon as this wild excitement had somewhat sub- 

 sided, the accordion was brought out. With this 

 instrument I made a noise, for I do not know how 

 to play upon it. The same silence followed ; and 

 when now and then I played the high notes in a 

 tremulous manner, the people all raised their arms 

 in a state of nervous excitement ; indeed I could not 

 understand the strong effect the instrument had upon 

 their nerves. The king, during the performances, 

 was continually beating his kendo, and speaking to 

 the spirits of his ancestors. I had not exhibited these 

 marvels at any village since I left Mayolo. The 



X 



