192 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



glow of moonlight on their upper surfaces. We 

 were very tired, so we turned in early and settled 

 ourselves for a good rest. 



Outside our tent the little " Injun fire " we had 

 built for our own comfort died down to coals. 

 A short distance away, however, was a huge 

 bonfire around which all the savages were gath- 

 ered. They squatted comfortably on then- heels, 

 roasting meat. Behind each man was planted his 

 glittering long-bladed spear. The old man held 

 the place of honour, as befitted his flirtation with 

 death that morning. Everybody was absolutely 

 happy a good fire, plenty of meat, and strangers 

 with whom to have a grand " shauri." The 

 clatter of tongues was a babel, for almost every 

 one talked at once and excitedly. Those who 

 did not talk crooned weird, improvised chants, 

 in which they detailed the doings of the camp. 



We fell very quickly into the half doze of too 

 great exhaustion. It never became more than 

 a half doze. I suppose every one who reads this 

 has had at some time the experience of dropping 

 asleep to the accompaniment of some noise that 

 ought soon to cease a conversation in the next 

 room, singing, the barking of a dog, the playing 

 of music, or the like. The fact that it ought soon 

 to cease, permits the falling asleep. When, after 



