254 BATH IN THE LESUNGUE. 



sat either outside their huts or under the trees that 

 were scattered here and there through the village. 

 They were by far the most industrious tribe I have 

 yet met with. Seeing some nets lying about, I asked 

 their use, whereupon Marimba informed me that they 

 were for catching fowl, of which there were hundreds 

 in the village. When any of these birds were re- 

 quired, the nets were spread in different places from 

 one hut to another, thus blocking up the passage ; 

 and then the children were set to work to hunt them 

 into the nets, and capture them. As I was very 

 tired I did not sit long with my host, who, having 

 seen me turn in, retired himself for the night, having 

 promised me some porters for the march next day, 

 as Patanda's men wished to return, having completed 

 their contract. I thought it better not to waste more 

 time here, as the country seemed quite devoid of game, 

 and determined to march down by the Lesungue to its 

 confluence with the Shire. 



As day dawned next morning I went down to the 

 river to enjoy a bath in its clear water, there being at 

 this season no alligators in the Lesungue, in consequence 

 of its being so shallow. Before starting I told Chinsoro 

 to have everything packed ready for a start immedi- 

 ately after breakfast. I need scarcely say how en- 

 joyable was the plunge, but directly on coming out 

 and commencing the drying process I was completely 

 prostrated with something like a stiff neck, but more the 

 pain of acute rheumatism. Having with difficulty dress- 

 ed, when I reached the village I was in torture — the 

 left side of my neck and head being affected. Be- 

 ing unable to move even a muscle in my body without 



