THE MONKEYFOLK OF SOUTH AFRICA 99 



KILLED BY A BLACK MAMBA 



A scout reported to us one day that he had discovered 

 a patch of bush three miles distant, where there was an 

 abundant supply of honey. He said that there were many 

 hives in the trunks of old decaying trees. In addition, there 

 were crops of wild fruits and berries, as well as plenty of sweet 

 roots and bulbs. The following morning we set out for 

 the spot. When we travel any distance we always send 

 out scouts in advance. However, we reached our destina- 

 tion safely, and busied ourselves looking for food. We 

 soon found the bees' hives, which we robbed after much 

 excitement and many stings. When clambering over the 

 rocks and through the stunted bushes which grew out of 

 the crevices and spaces between the boulders, our chief 

 stumbled right upon a great Black Mamba, at least twelve 

 feet in length. Like a flash of light, the Mamba struck 

 him upon the breast. He gave vent to an appalling cry 

 of terror, then turned to flee. Before he could move a 

 yard those cruel fangs were again buried in him, this time 

 in his shoulder. The serpent followed him up and once 

 again bit him. 



We all fled in the wildest terror, for of all snakes we 

 dread the Black Mamba the most. He is a really terrible 

 snake. If you disturb him he will think nothing of rushing 

 straight at you. He isn't content with biting you once. 

 He wants to make sure that you get a fatal dose of venom, 

 for he pursues you so rapidly that it's no use trying to 

 escape. The only thing is to face him and fight it out. 

 We baboonfolk, however, stand no chance at all against him, 

 for he is too quick in his movements for us. You humanfolk 

 have an advantage because you can use sticks and guns. 

 If we know a Black Mamba is in our neighbourhood we 

 desert the place, for sooner or later some of us are bound 



