IV 
NATIVES 
% 
If yon are in a region inhabited by native peoples make every 
effort to get in touch with them and ask them for help. You run 
little danger if you approach them in a friendly manner. Never 
show fear, or threaten, or flourish a gun. As a rule it is fear 
on the part of natives that makes them attack strangers and 
if you do nothing to cause concern you will be perfectly safe. 
Go up to them as you would to individuals of your own race 
and color, smile, offer a cigarette if you have one, and make 
your wants known. You may need to use signs to show them 
what you want — food, water, or directions — but natives are 
accustomed to such procedure, as they often communicate in 
that fashion themselves and will understand. The important 
thing is to treat them with dignity. Most of them have a 
strong sense of self-respect and do not regard themselves as ‘"na- 
tives’ 5 or primitive. They will appreciate being treated as human 
beings just like yourself, neither as inferiors nor as superiors. 
Should the natives be inclined to be shy or unapproachable do 
not rush matters by going right up to them. Stop where you 
are. Sit down and light up a smoke. If you know any tricks 
with string, take out, a piece and proceed to do things with iff 
Most natives have and are fond of an elaborate variety of string 
figures, such as the familiar cat’s cradle, which they make for 
their own amusement and on some occasions for ceremonial 
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