THE LADO ENCLAVE 



have entered many a village amidst a deafening tattoo 

 of these instruments. 



The natives here when speaking of the Belgians 

 referred to them as the " Billygee." 



When travelling again in a south-westerly direction 

 from the Ara, I noticed at intervals alongside the path, 

 earthen jars of " pombe " (native beer). Not a living 

 soul could be seen to whom they could possibly have 

 belonged, and covetous glances were bestowed on them 

 by my boys ; one even stooped down intending to drink 

 the potion, but I soon had him away from it. One has 

 constantly to watch the carriers and other followers to 

 see that they do not steal or otherwise bring trouble 

 on you when in the Congo. The slightest thing may 

 upset the people, for they are as easily angered as amused, 

 and with most of them no amount of argument will 

 conciliate their childish nature when once they are put 

 out. 



It was close to the Ara river that one day, having 

 nothing better to do, I amused myself while the tents 

 were being put up by playing " tip cat." That after- 

 noon when passing close by the huts I noticed groups 

 of men, women, and children ; they had imitated my 

 example and were revelling in the game, which was 

 entirely new to them. By the time I left the place the 

 craze had spread like wildfire. 



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