292 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



fairly started, and departed in the night. There 

 was no time to get regular porters ; but fortu- 

 nately a Kikuyu chief detailed two wild savages 

 from his tribe to act as carriers. These two 

 children of nature drifted in with pleasant smiles 

 and little else save knick-knacks. From our 

 supplies we gave them two thin jerseys, reaching 

 nearly to the knees. Next day they appeared 

 with broad tucks sewed around the middle ! 

 They looked like " My Mama didn't use wool 

 soap." We then gave it up, and left them free 

 and untrammelled. 



They differed radically. One was past the 

 first enthusiasms and vanities of youth. He was 

 small, unobtrusive, unornamented. He had no 

 possessions save the jersey, the water- bottle, and 

 the blanket we ourselves supplied. The blanket 

 he crossed bandolier fashion on one shoulder. 

 It hung down behind like a tasselled sash. His 

 face was little and wizened and old. He was 

 quiet and uncomplaining, and the " easy mark " 

 for all the rest. We had constantly to be inter- 

 fering to save him from imposition as to too heavy 

 loads, too many jobs, and the like. Nearing 

 the close of the long expedition, when our loads 

 were lighter and fewer, one day C. spoke up. 



" I'm going to give the old man a good time," 



