The Dingi-Dingi 



once, in bringing these boys all the way from 

 Salisbury, for at this time it was next to im- 

 possible to get bearers locally. I was, in conse- 

 quence, independent of the local supply. Be- 

 sides that, these boys of mine were strangers to 

 the country and would be more likely to stick 

 to their job without complaint, not that there 

 was any ground for discontent, as I took par- 

 ticular care to see that they were provided with 

 everything that could be reasonably demanded 

 for their comfort. I found my West Coast 

 boy awaiting me. During my absence up-country 

 he had been getting extra pay by taking on 

 the job of cook at the hotel, and was earning 

 very good money at it. After a day or so I 

 thought he seemed to be more than a little 

 independent, but when I found him using my 

 vests and silk handkerchiefs for his own adorn- 

 ment, my wrath was aroused, and I am afraid 

 I smacked his head for his impudence. This 

 punishment was useless I might have stroked 

 his head, for all he seemed to mind. He grinned 

 as though he were highly amused, so I fined him 

 ten shillings a month's pay which I afterwards 

 remitted. 



I had engaged a Dane named Weddell to 

 accompany me on a hunting trip to the Dingi- 

 Dingi. This place is some thirty miles north 

 of Fontesvilla. After a day or so employed in 

 buying the necessary stores we made a start to 



107 



