IN THE ELEPHANT FOREST. 377 



and that he believes they have told him the truth. 

 Tell them the bwana m'kubwa will not fight the 

 elephant now, because he has not the time, but 

 must go to attend to his affairs. But later, 

 when two years have gone, he will make another 

 safari, and will come back to this country, and 

 will again ask these men to lead him out where 

 he can fight the elephant. And in the mean- 

 time he will give them rupees with which to pay 

 their hut tax to the Government." 



After various compliments the sitting rose. 

 Then we packed up for a few hours' march. In 

 a short time we passed the chief's village. He 

 came out to say good-bye. A copper bronze 

 youth accompanied him, lithe as a leopard. 



" My men have told me your words," said he. 

 " I live always in these mountains, and my young 

 men will bring me word when you return. I am 

 glad the white men have come to see me. I 

 shall have the Wanderobo ready to take you to 

 fight the elephant when you return." 



He then instructed the young man to accom- 

 pany us for the purpose of bringing back the 

 presents we had promised. We shook hands 

 in farewell, and so parted from this friendly and 

 powerful chief. 



