FROM MAIFONI TO KUKAWA 265 



turn, with their pots standing in rows, while two or three 

 are employed letting the waterskin up and down. At the 

 waterholes, when the supply has been exhausted by the con- 

 tinual dipping of calabashes, the women sit down and wait 



WAITING FOR THE WATER HOLE TO FILL 



till the holes fill up afresh. As one sights the spot down the 

 road ahead where a well will be found, by its guardian group 

 of shady trees, or guesses at its nearness from the sound of 

 voices or the lowing of cattle, there is always a feeling of 

 joy in one's heart, for the well generally marks the camping- 

 ground at the end of a long day's journey or the resting-place 

 from the heat of the noon-day. 



But, even if one has not come thirsty and tired to the 

 refreshment that it offers, there is always the little picture 

 of wayside life to cheer the eye after the long stretch of dull, 

 monotonous road. Besides the picturesque groups of women 

 waiting while their pots fill, or coming or going shouldering 



