I 



RIDING THE PLAINS 



concern. Our captive shouted loudly for him to come 

 join us and share in the good fortune. Not he! 

 he knew a trap when he saw one! Not a bit dis- 

 turbed by the tales this man would probably carry 

 back home, our old fellow attached himself to us 

 for three days! 



Near sundown, to make our promise good, and 

 also to give our own men a feast, I shot two harte- 

 beeste near camp. 



The evening was beautiful. The Machakos Range, 

 miles distant across the valley, was mantled with 

 thick, soft clouds. From our elevation we could 

 see over them, and catch the glow of moonlight on 

 their upper surfaces. We were very tired, so we 

 turned in early and settled ourselves for a good rest. 



Outside our tent the little "Injun fire" we had 

 built for our own comfort died down to coals. A 

 short distance away, however, was a huge bonfire 

 around which all the savages were gathered. They 

 squatted comfortably on their heels, roasting meat. 

 Behind each man was planted his glittering long- 

 bladed spear. The old man held the place of honour, 

 as befitted his flirtation with death that morning. 

 Everybody was absolutely happy — a good fire, 

 plenty of meat, and strangers with whom to have 

 a grand ^'shauri.^^ The clatter of tongues was a 

 babel, for almost every one talked at once and ex- 



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