IN AFRICAN FOREST AND JUNGLE 



forest to hunt and seek food. In the evening we will 

 return to the island." 



We crossed the river again on our raft, leaving 

 Andekko and Ndova in possession of the island. 



We collected building material, cut poles and sticks, 

 gathered large leaves to be used instead of slates or 

 shingles for roofing, and for walls wide pieces of bark ; 

 also much firewood. After a few trips all our material 

 was landed on the island. 



First I measured the ground, and decided that the 

 house should be about ten feet long and seven feet 

 wide. We planted sticks about one foot apart, reaching 

 a height of about five feet above the ground. Then 

 we fastened the bark along these sticks, and left an 

 opening to be used as a door, and made a few loop- 

 holes so that we could fire from them in case we were 

 attacked by the natives. I always took great pre- 

 cautions, though I was not afraid of the people. My 

 guns, rifles, a certain amount of ammunition were 

 always near my bed. I slept dressed and with my 

 shoes on. " Always be ready in case of a sudden 

 attack," I said to Rogala, and he replied : " You are 

 right, Oguizi." 



Then we placed a beam upon two big forked sticks 

 to support the roof, and covered our roof with the large 

 leaves, arranging them on the top of one another just 



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