300 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA CHAP. 



I told them it would be a very serious matter 

 for them if they did not return to their duty at 

 once, and asked if they realized that they would be 

 severely punished later on for taking part in a 

 mutiny against an officer engaged on Government 

 work. They must remember that this was an official 

 expedition, and as I had Government work to do 

 at Marsabit it was my intention to go there and 

 complete it, no matter what obstacles stood in 

 my way, and they must come too or take the 

 consequences. 



If they refused to obey I would collect a hundred 

 spearmen from the natives in the neighbourhood 

 and speedily round them up and take them 

 prisoners to Nairobi, where they would be properly 

 dealt with. 



There were loud cries and threats from some 

 rascals in the background when I announced my 

 intention. 



I then reasoned with the better spirits among the 

 men, and told them that while we were in the wilds 

 I looked upon them all as children of mine, in 

 whose safety and welfare they were well aware I 

 took a deep interest. I fed them when they were 

 hungry, gave them to drink when they were thirsty, 

 doctored them when they were ill, and punished 

 them only if they deserved it. I should be very 

 sorry to have to resort to stern measures, but unless 



