A Thousand Miles in a Machilla 



brewing during the festivities suddenly burst, and 

 saved the situation as far as we were concerned. 



We purchased the larger of the drums as a 

 memento of the scene, and sent both the chief and 

 the lady home rejoicing with a suitable present. 

 John told us that the office of "medicine" woman 

 was a hereditary one, and that rain-making was 

 included in her duties. 



The early morning of the 29th November proved 

 very damp, and we were consequently a little late 

 in starting. We w^anted to follow the big Mkushi 

 river, but were told that this was not possible, 

 probably because there were no villages along its 

 course. 



Our objective was the little Mkushi river, and 

 the march proved a long one. We passed a large 

 village about 1 1 a.m., but did not halt — though our 

 people wanted us to do so — as it was still too early 

 in the day. A second village was reached about 

 I P.M.; to our annoyance this was deserted, the 

 waterholes being dry notwithstanding the rain. We 

 had consequently to go on, and did not arrive at 

 the little Mkushi until 2 p.m. 



Our camp was well situated amidst pretty 

 surroundings, and though no game was to be 

 seen, we saw fresh spoor, and a herd of eland was 

 reported. Heavy rain came on just after pitching 

 camp and again in the evening, and lasted all night. 

 We had fires lit at both ends of our tents, and even 

 then had great difficulty in keeping out the wet. 



Maso was distinctly better to-day. Warburg's 

 tincture had evidently suited him. 



230 



