i66 THROUGH JUNGLE AND DESERT chap. 



purpose of getting information as to the contour of 

 the territory of the Wamsara, we had noticed that 

 the valley inhabited by these people was wider at its 

 centre ; hence our endeavour was to reach this portion 

 of the country, if possible, ere we were attacked by 

 the natives. At 6.30 we crossed a little stream, and 

 by seven had halted upon a small knoll commanding 

 a good view of the surrounding country, and inter- 

 sected by many broad paths. Near us (in fact, not 

 more than 200 yards distant) in several places were 

 scattered groups of native huts. These appeared to 

 be deserted by the male inhabitants, but were thronged 

 with women and children, who eyed us curiously for 

 a short time and then made off. 



Upon reaching the knoll, I placed at its centre our 

 sick, with the loads of trading-goods and donkeys, 

 and with my men formed a circle around the stores. 

 We had scarcely taken our position ere I noticed at 

 one of the villages near by a man past middle age, 

 who was clad somewhat more luxuriously than any 

 of the Wamsara I had seen before. About his head 

 was bound a wide strip of red cotton, and from his 

 shoulders depended a cloak made from the skins of 

 monkeys. Through Motio I entered into conversa- 

 tion with this man, but could learn nothing from him; 

 so by a quick movement I succeeded in seizing and 

 binding him. I then brought him to our little knoll, 

 and explained to him that even then our intentions 

 were purely friendly. We had waited long enough 

 for the Wamsara to bring us food and open trade 

 with us. Under the circumstances we felt justified 

 in seizing food, but in order to prove our good inten- 



