19^ Seven Years in Central Africa. [Jan. 
At another time a man and I were out alone in the woods, when 
the call of a honey-bird attracted us. On going but a short way 
it halted on a tall tree. We were looking into the tree trying to 
find the honey, when, from the grass which lay between us, out 
sprang a leopard and bounded off. The wicked bird had led us 
to his lair. 
THE SOMBWE CAVES. 
The people I met were nearly all of the Basanga tribe, the 
original occupants of the country, of whom there are now but 
few. I scarce understand a word of their language as yet. 
Going north-west, nearly to the Kalasa mountains, I had a 
good view of the famous cavern mountain, which is inhabited. 
The great cave has two entrances, a distance of five miles or 
more apart, and within is a running stream. There are also many 
smaller caves and dens in this mountainous country in which 
the natives hide themselves.* In going amongst their villages I 
seldom could get more than two or three together at one time. 
When, however, 1 succeeded in killing the two hippopotami in 
the river close by my camp, and had sent round an invitation, I 
had no less than loo of these poor people, who gathered together 
and were willing to remain with me as long as the feast lasted. 
It was really a big Christmas dinner that we had in the heart of 
Africa, the two hippopotami forming the centre dish, with zebra 
and antelope as side dishes. 
HYENAS TAKE POSSESSION OF CAMP. 
Before so many of the people gathered to my camp we had a 
rather stirring adventure. Two of our men, while out hunting, 
were benighted on the other side of the river. Night set in very 
dark indeed, and after waiting a long time for the absent ones the 
men in camp crossed, and made signals to guide them to our 
whereabouts ; and above the rushing noise of the river we heard 
their voices replying to us on the other side. I ran down to the 
river bank in order to guide them, but finding that my voice was 
* The entrances to these caves look like rabbit-holes. They form such 
perfect retreats that Msidi could extort no tribute from these people. Near 
the mouths of the caves they have millet gardens. They greatly feared my 
inspectinsj the caves, and I had to promise that I would not do so, or none 
would have come near me. 
