144 
Seven Years in Central Africa. 
[Nov. 
I had left with him, and also fresh carriers to replace those who 
only agreed to acconipany me as far as the Kuiba. 
In a few days Cinyama came up, and I found that men who 
would not engage with me in Bihe had no hesitation in doing so 
at my camp at the Kuiba, now they were away from the power 
of the Bihe chiefs; gradually my little camp began to increase 
in size. Huts were built by our little company as they came 
along, and I had time to humour my men to the best of my 
ability, packing and re-packing the loads so as to bring them into 
the shape most convenient for them to carry. Thus we became 
acquainted with one another, and prepared for a final start for 
the far interior. 
OUR COMPANY. 
A few typical African characters are to be found in our 
company. Chipooka stammers as he speaks, but is lively under 
all circumstances ; has a bad festering toe, which, however, does 
not prevent him carrying his sixty-pound load. Though limping 
badly, his only response to expressions of sympathy is a broad 
grin. Saombo is another representative man, perfectly hideous 
in his looks, but vanity has made his ugliness appear comical. 
All who come to camp, he seems to think, have come to see him. 
So as soon as a few strangers gather, he is not prepared for more 
hut-building or wood-cutting, but must go and sit down in front 
of them, laughing and clapping his thighs with delight, and trying 
to crack jokes. Then we have the sulky grumbler amongst us, 
who has always something to complain of Now his load is not 
right, next his rations, then his pay, or a thorn pricks his foot and 
he can carry no longer that day. The work has to be done, but 
certainly not by him. Only one or two of such in a company 
can reasonably be borne with. 
I spend each evening sitting round the camp-fire with my men, 
trying in a thousand ways to convey to them intelligent thoughts 
as to my mission. It is of the first importance that they should 
understand me, and be able to give an answer to the thousands 
in the interior who will ask them what this white man has come 
for. 
In reviewing the occupants of my camp I must not overlook 
my faithful dog and a parrot. The latter I bought for a trifle for 
the sake of my boys, and he is a great help to them, as he seems 
