Kopas to Mlembo River 



rivers, as we hoped, we were at least half a 

 day's march from it, and that our actual position 

 was a few miles to the westward of the Mlembo 



and Kasanka rivers. A had completely lost 



our position on the map, owing to the confusion 

 over Chitambo and Chimpundu. The chief also 

 assured us there would be no difficulty in marching 

 direct to Mkushi, via Musiro and the Luambwa 

 river. 



In the afternoon A went out with a local 



hunter, who had been sent by the chief, and saw a 

 number of puku. I took a stroll along the river, 

 which was very pretty, and found some fragrant 

 white lilies, several flowers on one stem. During 

 my walk I passed a native at work in the gardens 

 and near by a small boy about ten years of age, 

 who, catching sight of me rather suddenly, screamed 

 with fright and ran to hide behind his father. 

 Greatly amused, I spoke to him and reassured 

 him. No doubt a strange white face was as 

 much a shock to him as a black one would be 

 to a little English child. On my return to camp 

 I again passed these natives on their way home. 

 The little lad had recovered from his fright, and 

 was striding in front shouldering an axe. I smiled 

 at him and made a remark, and he smiled back in 

 return. Some of these native boys, with their large, 

 intelligent eyes, are most attractive. They often 

 accompanied their fathers when they called to see 

 us, and would sit down at the door of the tent 

 taking in everything with eyes of wonder. I 

 believe it is a well-known fact that African boys are 



2OI 



