THEFTS FROM THE CAMP 



321 



they were now flogged in the presence of the natives and the 

 booty returned to its owners. Jumbe Kimemeta thought we 

 were quite wrong to act as we did in this matter, declaring 

 that our only chance was to make the natives fear for the 

 safety of their property. 



During the fight some of our pack-animals and one of 

 Jumbe Kimemeta's had disappeared, the latter carrying off a 

 valuable tusk and the tent for holding the traders' stores. 

 Amongst our peace conditions we insisted that four chiefs 

 should find the necessary sheep the next morning for making 

 blood-brotherhood with us, and that the stolen donkey with its 

 load should be brought back to camp. The natives then with- 

 drew. 



As no more could be done now, we remained where we 

 were all the next day. A strict watch was kept at night, and 

 the first thing in the morning we strengthened our fence, as 

 there was no saying whether the natives might not change 

 their minds. Things looked suspicious too, for no one came 

 to visit us, though a large party gathered near the camp in 

 earnest consultation. Presently, however, an envoy appeared, 

 bringing two sheep as a gift for us, with a message that we 

 should take them and be gone. Of course we could not agree 

 to this, and there was another long weary shauri before we 

 could at last get the chiefs to make blood-brotherhood with us. 

 The ceremony over, our new brothers received handsome 

 presents, and the owners of the burnt huts were compensated 

 for their loss. We also paid for the use of our camping-ground. 

 But even now the natives did not seem to trust us entirely, for 

 no women or children came into camp, and Jumbe Kimemeta's 

 donkey returned without its load, which could not be found 

 anywhere. True, two sheep were brought to make up for the 

 loss, but of course they did not represent the hundredth part 

 of its value. We were ourselves, however, content enough, 

 VOL. I. Y 



