AFRICAN CAMP FIRES 



and old. He was quiet and uncomplaining, and the 

 "easy mark" for all the rest. We had constantly 

 to be interfering to save him from imposition as to 

 too heavy loads, too many chores and the like. 

 Nearing the close of the long expedition, when our 

 loads were lighter and fewer, one day Cuninghame 

 spoke up. 



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

 he, "I doubt if he's ever had one before, or if he ever 

 will again. He's that sort of a meek damn fool." 



So it was decreed that Kimau* should carry 

 nothing for the rest of the trip, was to do no more 

 work, was to have all he wanted to eat. It was 

 a treat to see him. He accepted these things without 

 surprise, without spoken thanks; just as he would 

 have accepted an increased supply of work and kicks. 

 Before his little fire he squatted all day, gazing 

 vacantly off into space, or gnawing on a piece of the 

 meat he always kept roasting on sticks. He spoke 

 to no one; he never smiled or displayed any obvious 

 signs of enjoyment; but from him radiated a feeling 

 of deep content. 



His companion savage was a young blood, and 

 still affected by the vanities of life. His hair he 

 wore in short tight curls, resembling the rope hair of 



*His official name was Lightfoot Queen of the Fairies because of his ballet- 

 like costume. 



264 



