IN AFRICAN FOREST AND JUNGLE 



In the centre of our encampment was a tree from 

 which we could look over the fence, and we left uncut 

 two thick bushes in which we could hide. 



I said to Rogala : " My 'precious box* must not re- 

 main on the ground, for the white ants (nchelaylays) 

 are sure to eat the wood at the bottom and penetrate 

 within. So we will hang it to a branch of a young 

 tree, where it will be safe, for, as you know, the white 

 ants never ascend a green tree-trunk." 



There was a koola tree close to our encampment, 

 and we collected the nuts that had fallen. These 

 were to be kept in reserve, and were to be eaten only 

 in case of starvation and not otherwise. For I did 

 not know what might happen ; fierce natives might 

 find us out, and lie in wait for us and besiege us. 



" Woe to any one who attacks us," I exclaimed to 

 my men. 



" Yes," shouted Rogala, his eyes shining with 

 fierceness, " woe to them, for the Oguizi will show 

 them how he fights." 



It was good for me that these wild men thought I 

 was endowed with extraordinary power. I never told 

 them I was an Oguizi, or spirit, but I never told them 

 I was not. My safety depended entirely on their 

 superstitious regard for me. If it had not been so, 

 and if they had thought I was a man like themselves, 



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