CHAPTER XXV 



MAD BUFFALO AND FAITHLESS WIFE 



I DO not wish to express any opinion as to the 

 value of native superstitious beliefs, but their 

 connection with an experience I once had with a 

 buffalo brought about an extraordinary sequel. I 

 will relate the story and leave the reader to 

 formulate his own ideas upon the subject. 



At the time in question, I was encamped at the 

 Sultan Leanduka's village near the Luwegu River, 

 a tributary of the Rufiji. One morning, about 

 2 o'clock, I was awakened by Malingum, one of my 

 trackers, who came to tell me that some natives had 

 just arrived, in a state of great excitement, with the 

 report that an elephant was in the act of plundering 

 one of their shambas, or gardens, and that in half 

 an hour they could conduct me to the scene of 

 spoliation. Feeling tired and sleepy and a little 

 annoyed at this ruthless interruption of my 

 peaceful slumbers at such an unearthly hour, I bade 

 Malingum convey my sincere sympathy to the 



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