VI 



TRAVELS m EASTERN AFRICA 



227 



tions ; therefore, we would postpone the solar eclipse 

 until some other time, when daylight was less essential 

 to them ; but, in order to prove our power, and not 

 cause them to suffer disappointment, we would give 

 them a demonstration in the evening, in every way as 

 convincing as the eclipse, and possessing the advantage 

 of beinor less troublesome to them. 



As already stated, our camp was pitched upon the 

 slope of a volcanic cone. Being the highest hill in the 

 Daitcho country, this cone is looked upon by the natives 

 with great reverence, and is said by them to be haunted 

 by the spirits of the dead. None of the Daitcho will 

 cultivate so much as the slopes of this hill ; and in 

 the memory of the oldest inhabitant no member of 

 the tribe had ever had the hardihood to ascend to its 

 summit. Shortly after dark on the day we stated that 

 the eclipse would occur, we ascended to the top of this 

 hill, carrying with us two large signal rockets and 

 an eight-bore express rifle. 



Upon reaching the summit, where we knew we would 

 be visible to the most distant village of the Daitcho, 

 we fired two shots from the eight-bore to attract 

 attention, and immediately after discharged in quick 

 succession the two rockets. The effect of this demon- 

 stration was made apparent upon the following day ; 

 trade ceased, and it was with the utmost difficulty that 

 we persuaded Bykender and one or two of the more 

 influential leaders to visit us in our camp. 



We asked them whether they had seen us at work 

 the night before, and if they fully realized what potent 

 wizards we were They shook their heads and shud- 

 dered. After some time had elapsed, Bykender said 



