-»i Night Photography under Difificulties 



into two sections, I set out instantly with one of them in 

 the direction of the Askari, leaving the other with Orgeich 

 to defend the camp. 



What had happened ? It was the old story, so familiar 

 to all experienced travellers, and showing how easily one 

 may be drawn into a fight, yet how easily trouble may 

 be avoided if one takes the right line. My Askari, 

 normally a very steady and reliable man who had been 

 in the service of the Government, had been startled by the 

 sudden apparition right in front of him of a great band of 

 Masai warriors armed with spears. They had raised their 

 spears, no doubt instinctively, at the sight of the rifle- 

 bearing soldier. He, for his part, and his two unarmed 

 comrades, jumped simultaneously to the conclusion that 

 these were the same Masai who had previously attacked 

 us. He decided at once to fire. In an instant the Masai 

 vanished In every direction. 



It was not a laughing matter. There had been recent 

 fights In the neighbourhood of my camp between Masai 

 warriors and the inhabitants of the Uferi district — the 

 remains of men who had been killed In these frays bore 

 witness to the truth of what my guides had told me about 

 them. And It was not long since certain European cattle- 

 dealers, at a spot some two days' journey farther on, had 

 been murdered by the Masai. These facts, taken in 

 connection with the night-attack, made us realise the need 

 of caution. 



On reaching the scene of the incident, I ascertained 

 that a great band of Masai, accompanied by their wives, 

 had been seen on the previous evening in the neighbour- 



651 



