Weichu, 
197 
are Masai, and must have been thrown aside when in 
hasty pursuit of our people." v 
A httle beyond we found a Masai shield, then 
another and another. There was no mistaking the 
meaning of all this ; we were following the very 
track the Masai had taken before us. Had we 
been a litttle earlier, say had we left Malinde when 
we were delayed by the wreck of the " Clutha Belle, " 
we should probably have fallen in with them, and 
what would have been the result who can tell ? Truly 
There is a Providence that shapes our ends, 
Rough hew them as we will." 
Pressing forward we presently met with a company of 
Gallas who were returning to their homes at Kurawa, 
This was Boiji Hirebaya's family. Yesterday he had 
begged permission to leave us that he might go for- 
ward to see his friends, but he did not tell us the real 
object he had in view, yet here he was back again with 
his two wives and children. Several other parties were 
met with, who were also returning with their household 
stuff to their homes, and we saw to what good account 
they turn their asses. Each party drove before them 
one or more of these animals. All the household fur- 
niture, and in some cases the children, were packed 
upon their backs, and they were either led or driven 
by the women, who were generally empty-handed. 
This is a step in advance of the Wanika and some of 
the other tribes of Eastern Africa, among whom the 
women are treated as beasts of burden. The differ- 
ence was a pleasant one, though even here, it will be 
observed, that the women had to attend to the animals 
while the men did nothing. Each party drove before 
