THE DANCE OF THE TREES 



irika, or clans. The Aldruru and the Achewa were there, 

 the Adjui headed by the sons of old Chief N'duni, the 

 Agachiku and the Ambui, each clan with their separate 

 divisions and blood-ties. They came from widely sep- 

 arated villages, for although men joined the clan of their 

 fathers their habitation was not restricted to any par- 

 ticular geographical area. 



All these were now falling into order, clan by clan and 

 becoming impatient to present themselves for the judg- 

 ing and the dance. Runners frequently arrived at my 

 camp and anxiously inquired from my forest guards 

 whether the white master was now ready to receive 

 them. The message was brought to me where I was enter- 

 taining my friend the American Consul General at 

 luncheon. I explained that they must wait a little while, 

 for they were much in advance of time. Finally, as 

 coffee was served I gave a signal to one of my forest 

 guards and the great throng started to advance. They 

 came on rank upon rank, carrying their spears and 

 shields. As each clan of warriors arrived in front of my 

 veranda they halted, faced about and proudly presented 

 themselves for inspection. The discipline was good, for 

 the captains of the dances had marshalled them in splen- 

 did order. On they came in a constant stream, prepared 

 as if for battle, yet on the spear points was the ball of 

 ostrich feathers to signify that they came in peace. With 

 great dignity they marched past the raised platform 

 which had been erected for the occasion and then, halted 

 by their captains, they formed orderly ranks to listen to 



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