NEGRO IMPROVIDENCE AND LAZINESS 



nor is he ever properly provisioned for a long 

 journey ; yet the African is often cheerful when 

 fate or his improvidence have brought him mis- 

 fortune. When he does meet plenty, he takes 

 the gift with childlike joy. The happiest negro 

 is he who has ten pounds of meat before him, 

 and the saddest he who, having over- eaten, is too 

 ill to eat more next day. 



The white leader of an expedition may have 

 to tighten his belt in days of privation and dis- 

 aster ; but he can face these with the fortitude 

 which comes from the hope of better times ahead, 

 and the resolution which is his birthright. The 

 native carrier, in similar circumstances, has no 

 such advantages. The future and the road ahead 

 are alike unknown and dreaded, yet his cheerful- 

 ness sometimes equals his master's resolution, and 

 his physical endurance the white man's fortitude. 



More often, unfortunately, the African's in- 

 herent laziness conquers his virtues ; and then 

 all the energy of the white man is needed to 

 overcome the carrier's dislike of marching early 

 before the sun has warmed him, and his desire to 

 rest before it is too hot. He can show the utmost 

 craftiness in creating obstacles to any advance, 

 and will tell any lie to gain an interval of rest. 

 If there is little water or game in the country 

 passed through, he is sure there will be none at 

 all ahead : if the tribes have been difficult in the 

 rearward marches, he is certain tfiere will be worse 

 men in front. 



The African lie is artless, readily detected, 

 but not purposeless. A native will often give ait 



