Journey to Kilima A^jaro : the Start. 287 
features, half African, half Arabian; complexion, black 
as a coal ; beard, short and thick. Makes a good 
appearance for a head-man, and from his looks you 
would think him capable of rather smart things ; but 
at heart he is a great coward, has an inordinate love 
of good things, and cannot resist the temptation to 
possess himself of all he sees. He begs hard, and 
when begging fails him he resorts to scheming. 
As a guide he is a man of great experience, and 
knows the Masai country and language better, it is 
said, than any other man upon the coast ; yet as a 
guide he has long been discarded, all his caravans 
having failed to bring back anything like an 
adequate return for the outlay incurred. A timid, 
craven soul makes him lavish with his means ; he 
would give away his last scrap of clothing rather 
than incur a chief's frown. He was engaged by the 
Baron von der Decken for a journey to the Masai 
country, but the undertaking failed, and the failure is 
attributed by the Wasuahili to Sadi's over-cautious 
tactics. He was the only guide available when 
I wanted one, otherwise I might not have employed 
him. I thought, however, I could control his evil 
propensities ; and in taking him I had this advantage, 
I knew him. I took him in hand, therefore, under bit 
and curb ; with what success will be seen. 2. Tofiki, 
cook and general man Friday ; a Mgindo, a slave, 
and a Muhammadan of course ; has been in our 
service since 1863. He was a youth at that time, but 
he has since grown, in every sense of the word, a ma7i. 
In physique he is a good-looking African, with a 
muscular, strong, well-knit frame. He is shrewd, 
thoroughly honest, courageous, and as true as steet — 
