l82 



THROUGH JUNGLE AND DESERT 



CHAP. 



termed a plain. It was the eastern slope of the Jom- 

 beni range, which is very gradual. High to our right 

 and left towered green hills, dotted with men, goats, 

 and cattle. Here and there beside the path grew 

 clumps of deciduous trees covered with flowers. It 

 seemed to be a country in every way suitable for 

 Europeans. 



The Embe who accompanied us had most cheerfully 

 assisted us upon the march ; but had appeared, to me 

 at least, somewhat nervous, whenever we made the 

 slightest halt. If I stopped for a moment, to enable 

 the caravan to close up, they danced with impatience, 

 and beckoned me to hurry on. I soon discovered the 

 cause of their anxiety. We had just finished watering 

 our cattle at the stream, when from a hi^h hill on 

 our right (one of the northern spurs of the peak) came 

 a wild cry. Looking up, I saw 300 warriors, decked 

 in their most terrifying war costume, dashing fiercely 

 down the hill toward us. Motio shouted to me : 

 " They are Wamsara ! Kill them ! Kill them ! " The 

 elders of the Embe clung to me, and urged me not 

 to fire. I had no intention of shedding: blood in this 

 country, but the case seemed difficult to meet without 

 such action. 



I drew my men up in a circle, in the centre of 

 which I placed my cattle ; and then I ran back to 

 Lieutenant von Hohnel, who was accompanied by only 

 two men. With me went Motio and six of the elders 

 of the Embe. Through Motio I explained to them 

 that unless they checked the charge of these warriors, 

 I should be compelled to open fire ; and told them 

 that I was as anxious as they to avoid all trouble in 



