394 



ACROSS LEIKIPIA 



up, got a second bullet in the shoulder, staggered forward a 

 few steps and rolled over, dead. 



There was a path near our camp much used by the Masai, 

 and almost every hour numbers passed along it, driving before 

 them heavily laden donkeys and oxen. They were on their 

 way to the treeless pastures of Angata Bus, and were taking 

 with them the materials for making their huts. The effect of 

 the loads was very remarkable, the hides being piled up high 

 above the backs of the animals, whilst the bundles of long 

 bent laths fastened to the sides of the saddles trailed behind 

 their bearers like sledges. The use of oxen as pack-animals is 

 rare amongst the Masai, and this was the first time we had 

 seen them with their loads. 



Towards noon we were surprised by a visit from seven 

 Wangwana, a fresh proof to us that travelling in the districts 

 inhabited by the much-dreaded Masai was really without any 

 special danger. They brought the news that an ivory caravan, 

 some 170 strong, under the leadership of Mpujui, had reached 

 the Guaso Narok, and were about to search the neighbour- 

 hood for Wandorobbo. We were astonished at finding that 

 Mpujui, whom we had met at Little Arusha, was back again in 

 Leikipia already. He deserves special mention on account 

 of the ready intelligence, courage, and thorough knowledge 

 of the Masai language which distinguish him amongst the 

 caravan leaders of the day, who have degenerated sadly from 

 their enterprising predecessors of some twenty years ago, who 

 would boldly penetrate into absolutely unknown districts in 

 search of ivory. Of course we except from these strictures 

 our faithful friend and comrade Jumbe Kimemeta, who is still 

 a most worthy representative of his class. Mpujui has visited 

 Leikipia nearly every year for a long time now, and knows the 

 whole district very well. 



During the afternoon a heavy storm broke over the valley, 



