xxix THROUGH THE MERU COUNTRY 363 



were to befall her. Finally, after long and hot 

 arguments on both sides, it was agreed that the 

 safari should be allowed to go through unmolested. 



The disappointed warriors vented their animosity 

 in howls and yells round our camp. I therefore sat 

 up all night long outside the tent door, with a rifle 

 across my knee, never knowing what moment they 

 might change their minds and attack us. From 

 time to time I let off a rocket, which seemed to have 

 a tremendous effect upon the howling warriors, for 

 the shouting would cease for a little while and all 

 would be quiet. 



I was exceedingly thankful when at last dawn 

 appeared, and I was able to get the safari away 

 from these hostile people. This was the only 

 occasion upon which I was at all anxious about 

 the attitude of the natives, whom I had found 

 most friendly and hospitable throughout the expe- 

 dition. It is more than probable that this particular 

 tribe, living on the outskirts of the Meru country, 

 had had to bear the brunt of many raids by Arab 

 and Swahili caravans, and hence resented the intrusion 

 of the safari into their territory. 



Before the chief of these truculent people was 

 released he procured me a quaint-looking guide 

 named Mukera, who vowed that he knew the road 

 to the Tana river as well as the palm of his hand. 

 So, telling him to lead the way, we marched off. 



