^ The Spell of the Elelescho 



They are so close to me that I can plainly see by the shape 

 of their bodies that they are going home after having had 

 an abundant repast. 



The behaviour of my people puzzles me. I had no 

 opportunity for questioning them as to why they were not 

 more Impressed by this unexpected spectacle, for my 

 attention was suddenly arrested by the appearance of a 

 lengthy caravan of bearers, that seemed as If it had 

 emerged before my eyes from the trampled ground. 

 There is new life and movement among the herds of 

 wild animals. Slowly, defiantly, or In swift-footed fear, 

 each according to Its kind, all these w^onderful creatures 

 seek safety from the approaching crowd. 



A robust negro marches at the head of the caravan. 

 He carries a white flag Inscribed all over with texts from 

 the Koran. Hundreds of bearers come steadily In. Each 

 carries a load of nearly ninety pounds' weight, besides his 

 cooking gear, sleeping-mat, gun and powder-horn. At 

 regular Intervals grave-looking, bearded Arabs march 

 among the bearers. Two stately figures, riding upon asses 

 and surrounded by an armed escort, are evidently the 

 chiefs, and a great drove of asses with pack-saddles laden 

 with elephant tusks brings up the rear. Very quickly the 

 numerous party establish their camp, and I now remark 

 that hundreds of the bearers are also laden with Ivory. It 

 is clearly a caravan of Arab Ivory-traders. 



After the usual greetings — '' Sabal kher" (" God bless 

 thee"), and " Salaam aleikum," questions are asked In the 

 Swahili language : " Habarl ghani ? " (" What news ? ") I 

 now learn that the party of travellers set out some two years 



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