IN THE JUNGLE 



for a masterly retreat, but found the press of num- 

 bers too great. At last she had to signal for help. 

 One of us wandered over with a kiboko with which 

 lightly he flicked the legs of such damsels as he could 

 reach. They scattered like quail, laughing hilari- 

 ously. Billy was escorted back to safety. 



Shortly after the Chief and his Prime Minister 

 came in. He was a little old gray-haired gentleman, 

 as spry as a cricket, quite nervous, and very chatty. 

 We indicated our wants to him, and he retired after 

 enunciating many words. The safari came in, made 

 camp. We had tea and a bath. The darkness fell; 

 and still no Chief, no milk, no firewood, no promises 

 fulfilled. There were plenty of natives around camp, 

 but when we suggested that they get out and rustle 

 on our behalf, they merely laughed good-naturedly. 

 We seriously contemplated turning the whole lot 

 out of camp. 



Finally we gave it up, and sat down to our dinner. 

 It was now quite dark. The askaris had built a 

 little campfire out in front. 



Then, far in the distance of the jungle's depths, 

 we heard a faint measured chanting as of many 

 people coming nearer. From another direction this 

 was repeated. The two processions approached 

 each other; their paths converged; the double chant- 

 ing became a chorus that grew moment by moment. 



253 



