i8o Wanderings in Eastern Africa, 
like the shaft of an arrow, and the other a short flat 
piece, about an inch broad and a span long. The 
short, broad piece is laid upon the ground, and held 
firmly in place by being pressed at each end with the 
two large toes of the operator. The long stick is 
then taken, and the end of it is placed in a small 
notch cut in its fellow. It is then firmly grasped at 
the top, between the two palms, and twisted back- 
wards and forwards with all the speed the man can 
give it. It is necessary, however, to press it so hard 
that in about half a dozen twirls of the stick the 
operator finds his hands at the bottom, when he is 
obliged to raise them quickly, and repeat the action. 
He does this several times before any sign of fire 
appears, or, growing tired, he is obliged to give place 
to another man. At length a little smoke curls up 
from between the sticks, and then a little red spark 
is seen. The tiny heap of powder, produced by the 
friction, is soon all on fire, and taken between a few 
dry leaves, grass, or any other easily inflammable 
material, is blown quickly into a flame. Under 
favourable circumstances, in extremely dry weather, 
it is done m.uch more expeditiously. 
After a while our fires blazed, the room was swept 
of its rougher materials, the cooking proceeded, and 
in a little time the supper was served. This over we 
spread our rugs, and stretched ourselves on the ground. 
In another hour or two I lay absorbed by my own 
thoughts. Once I rose to look round on the com- 
pany. The Gallas had had a little quarrel among 
themselves, and formed two groups. There they lay, 
their long, lank, black forms only partially covered, 
they looked the veriest savages in creation. Our 
