4IO Wanderings in Eastern Africa, 
part of them hastened off in a path to the left, while 
the others, beckoning to us, led us through a wood to 
the right, the woman being taken with us. At first 
she hesitated, but, threatened with uplifted dagger, 
she fell into our file. I thought it best to say nothing 
as yet. Gaining another open spot, however, and 
halting, I asked for explanations. There was some 
unwillingness to satisfy me. At length I was told 
that the woman belonged to Kirua, and that she 
would be taken to Moche and sold. I ordered the 
guide to tell her not to be alarmed, for the white man 
would not allow a hair of her head to be harmed. 
The guide hesitated, fearing that the Wachaga might 
turn their vengeance upon us if we interfered with 
what they regarded as their lawful prey ; but I in- 
sisted, and the poor woman was told what I said. At 
this stage the men who had left us so strangely 
returned to us, greatly infuriated, menacing the 
woman with their knives and swords. I now learned 
that this woman had been accompanied by two others, 
who, hearing our approach, had fled. The men having 
inquired of their captive which way the others had 
gone, had pursued them, and not having found them 
were now charging this woman with having mis- 
'directed them. She protested that she had told the 
truth, but the angry men would not listen to her. I 
now interposed, but it was some time before" I could 
get a hearing. I then told Marondo that I would 
have no kidnapping by men who were under my 
charge, and that if he insisted upon retaining the 
woman I would lay the matter before the mange, 
and have him punished. Marondo looked serious ; 
Mtema stormed and rushed about like a maniac ; the 
