A SKIRMISH WITH CANNIBALS 



reached a climax. Eventually, after I had given him 

 most of my gear, the chief signed for me to follow him. 

 Before doing so, however, I made Salem, who by this 

 time had bound my neck scarf round my arm, pick up 

 three arrows that had been sent after us as we waited on 

 the square. It was fortunate for us that their bows 

 were of a short pattern, for although we were on a fairly 

 large piece of ground, some arrows had fallen within a 

 few yards of us. On gaining the edge of the grass beyond 

 the square, the chief stood aside as though to let me walk 

 first, but I preferred to have him in front of me. At 

 this he laughed, as did his followers, for the same half- 

 dozen were to escort us. As for them they could follow 

 if they liked ; but I was determined to have their chief 

 in front, for I knew that as long as I had the gun behind 

 him we were safe. 



Off we went, the chief in front, I came next with the 

 •350 ready for instant use ; then followed Salem, Monica, 

 and Juma, after them came the chief's followers. 



Travelling in a southerly direction for a mile or so 

 we came to a stream, and I would have given anything 

 for a drink ; but I dared not take my eyes off the chief, 

 for a second's hesitation might mean disaster. After we 

 had marched for about two hours, the chief turned round 

 and informed me that he had reached the limit of his 

 country and could proceed no further ; but against my 

 gun this argument did not carry. He persisted that the 

 natives of the next village would kill him on his return 

 trip ; but I had him in front of the gun, and I let him 

 know it, so again we started. In another half-hour the 

 hills and ridges around Naramba's village hove in sight 

 as we emerged from a small piece of forest land. 



It was not surprising to see large crowds on the 

 summit and ridges attracted by the firing of my rifle, 

 and small parties ran down the slopes to meet us. In a 

 very short time the whole countryside knew who was 



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