152 



THROUGH JUNGLE AND DESERT chap. 



never in his life seen even a horse or a white man 

 separately, and when the two appeared simultaneously, 

 the sight proved too much for his nerves. 



In an incredibly short time a large band of fully 

 armed warriors arrived, and endeavoured to persuade 

 me to fall in with their ideas of a suitable camping- 

 place. I waved them off, and pitched my tent under 

 a tall palm tree. Through Motio we told them we 

 wanted food, and were friends. They seemed incredu- 

 lous, but after much talk we succeeded in purchasing 

 a few potatoes, which Lieutenant von Hohnel and I 

 had cooked, and later ate with avidity. These were 

 the first fresh vegetables we had partaken of since 

 leaving Hameye. 



Immediately after my arrival the able-bodied men 

 were set to work, and in less than half an hour the 

 camp was fortified by a strong thorn zeriba. As this 

 work proceeded, the natives eyed us with suspicion ; 

 and once or twice several elderly men actually ventured 

 to seize some of the thorn bushes, and break down a 

 portion of the zeriba already made. They sullenly with- 

 drew, upon being told by Motio that the white man 

 objected to their interference. We were one and all 

 rejoiced at having reached people, and the prospect of 

 food in plenty. The countenances of my men soon lost 

 the appearance of fatigue and anxiety they had worn 

 during the previous month, and even the sick and ailing 

 raised their heads, and showed signs of interest in what 

 was going on about them. 



It is characteristic of the sick African to give up all 

 hope of recovery ; and this, together with the hardships 

 they were forced to undergo while on the march, and the 



