2o8 Wanderings in Eastern Africa, 
water. It is formed by planting forked uprights in 
the ground, laying across these as many joists as may 
be required ; and then binding across the joists, very 
closely and regularly together, a layer of rods or laths, 
from the smooth stems of the Ukindu fronds. When 
complete, this hut looks like a large beehive raised 
upon posts — the " straw-built citadel " of Milton. 
Malau, one of the Wasuahili mentioned, and of 
whom more hereafter, led us to one of these huts, say- 
ing, ''This hut is mine, but I place it at your disposal. 
I will seek quarters elsewhere. You are strangers : I 
know the country and people well. We accepted the 
hut, glad of a place in which we could change our 
clothes, and obtain a little rest. 
It was expected all day that the Masai would ap- 
pear on the bank of the river, but they did not come 
to the part where we were. They were, however, 
seen by the Wapokomo lower down. We were 
somewhat curious, and since they were in the country, 
should like to have seen them. Tofiki wished they 
would come, as he coolly said, that he might have an 
opportunity of shooting one or two of them. " But, 
Tofiki, " it was urged, " you would not be such a 
coward as to shoot them in cold blood, when in a 
position which would make it impossible for them to 
defend themselves, or to do you harm." " Why not 1 " 
he replied, certainly I would. These are the ' Waka- 
firi ' (infidels) who show no mercy, who kill and murder 
whenever they have an opportunity, and with whom 
it is impossible to do or say anything unless you slay 
a few of them. Once let them see that you have it in 
your power to hurt them, and you may begin to talk 
of friendship, but not till then.'' He confessed it 
