32 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



figures ; from their depths, mounting a single 

 steep plank, came an unbroken procession of 

 natives, naked save for a wisp of cloth around 

 the loins. They trod closely on each other's 

 heels, carrying each his basket atop his head 

 or on one shoulder, mounted a gang-plank, 

 discharged their loads into the side of the ship, 

 and descended again to the depths by way of 

 another plank. The lights flickered across their 

 dark faces, their gleaming teeth and eyes. Some- 

 how the work demanded a heap of screeching, 

 shouting, and gesticulation ; but somehow also 

 it went forward rapidly. Dozens of unattached 

 natives lounged about the gunwales with appar- 

 ently nothing to do but to look picturesque. 

 Shore boats moved into the narrow circle of 

 light, drifted to our gangway, and discharged 

 huge crates of vegetables, sacks of unknown 

 stuffs, and returning passengers. A vigilant 

 police boat hovered near to settle disputes, 

 generally with the blade of an oar. For a long 

 time we leaned over the rail watching them, 

 and the various reflected lights in the water, 

 and the very clear, unwavering stars. Then, the 

 coaling finished, and the portholes once more 

 opened, we turned in. 



