236 In the Heart of Africa 



followers. As we learned later, on our arrival in Europe, the 

 aggressive attitude of the natives south-east of Mount Muha- 

 wura, more particularly the attack by the chief Lukara, was 

 responsible for the subsequent delay. This sultan and many of 

 his warriors had lain in ambush for the geologist's caravan and 

 barred its path. As soon as the first arrows came whizzing over 

 Kirschstein's head he was forced to defend himself. A fight was 

 quickly in progress, but, despite heavy firing, the enemy would 

 not budge. Ever and again the enemy's bowmen were spurred 

 on to fresh onslaughts by a fellow in a red toga, who danced 

 before and around them with wild and furious gestures. Kirsch- 

 stein aimed at this man, and succeeded in shooting him down. 

 Then only did the savage hordes, deprived of their leader, begin 

 to yield. In spite of this, Kirschstein was in a very critical 

 position, for when the cartridges were counted after the fight 

 their total for the whole caravan was eleven. In order, if 

 possible, to stave off a further attack, he caused threats of 

 terrible punishments, in case the onslaught should be renewed, 

 to be proclaimed throughout the district by means of a crier. 

 This intimidatory measure fulfilled its purpose ; Kirschstein was 

 left in peace. 



As his stores were beginning to give out, he sent letters to 

 me begging for provisions. At the same time he asked for in- 

 structions and information as to the intentions of the main 

 caravan. I never received these letters, nor did Kirschstein 

 receive mine asking very urgently for an explanation of his 

 absence. No doubt they were simply thrown aside by mail 

 carriers, who were recruited from the natives, or stolen by 

 force majeure. Thus, without any news and in a great state 

 of uncertainty, further delay on our part would have been fruit- 

 less. Beni and Rutschuru were communicated with by means 

 of reliable messengers, and letters deposited there for Kirsch- 

 stein. 



In Irumu packing proceeded apace. The day for departure 

 dawned. How we missed our faithful Wassukuma and Manjema, 

 who knew their individual loads even at a distance! Things 



