154 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



approaching I found two kob in the middle of a battle 

 royal." 



On June 25, after a pull of seven hours through a low 

 grass-covered country which must be under water in the rains, 

 we reached Mandjaffa. Just when we had pitched camp a 

 big tornado came on and kept us pretty well to our tents for 

 the rest of the day. The next day, a beautiful morning and 

 forest country interspersed with graceful trees on the left 

 bank decided us to stay and make collections. Moreover 

 it was necessary to lay in another store of " geri " for the 

 " boys," a week's supply if possible, so following our usual 

 custom we summoned the king and, after inquiries for his 

 health and that of his family, told him that we had so 

 many " boys " to feed and did not doubt that he could find 

 the corn. Then he sent his headman into the village and soon 

 in the compounds the cry was to be heard, " the white man 

 wants food." Afterwards throughout the day, women, 

 each carrying the bit of meal she had ground, trooped down 

 to Jose's tent and received payment in beads, small looking- 

 glasses or cloth for every calabashful they brought. 



While the corn-sacks were being filled, we both crossed the 

 river and set out in different directions. Gosling, on the 

 look-out for big game, was followed by Umuru carrying his 

 •450 express and another boy his '303 ; while I paid attention 

 entirely to the birds, so took with me only my small '410 bore 

 collecting-gun. 



3lt was my custom when out collecting birds to go off alone 

 into the bush, for, having no heavy guns to carry I had no 

 need of a gun-boy, and going thus quietly by myself there 

 was far more chance of being able to get near enough to the 



