II 
ON THE JAMBENI RANGE 
4i 
open arms. We had a talk with them, and they told us that 
the elephants were not far off, and went to get information as 
to their whereabouts to-day from those who watched the crops 
day and night Afterwards one of them met us again with 
the news that there was one large elephant near, and five 
others not far off. We went on with him, past the swamp of 
yesterday, and on to a second and larger one. But a number 
of natives had now come (having, no doubt, got word of the 
white man’s arrival), and were shouting all over the place, and, 
of course, the elephants had decamped. 
I was again suffering agonies from my feet, and as 
it was by this time past noon, and the elephants had been 
disturbed for that day, I decided to go back to camp. On 
the way back I saw a few impala, one of which I shot. In 
the evening some of my new friends of Mthara came, bringing 
me presents of bananas, tobacco, and native beer. We had 
a satisfactory talk, and I promised to remain in camp the 
following day to have a “ shauri ” with their head men and 
become their “ blood brother ” if they wished it. This rest 
would also suit me on account of my chafed feet. I, of course, 
gave small presents to my visitors. 
Accordingly, the next day I did not go out. A number 
of the Mthara “ elders,” as well as many young men, came, 
bringing small offerings of food. I had a great “ shauri ” with 
them, and they seemed very well disposed. Of course they 
tried at first to get me to stump up something in the shape of 
“ hongo ” or tribute, as Swahili traders are in the habit of paying 
for the privilege of entering each district, though they do not 
visit this particular part at all, on account of the bad name 
the natives have; but I told them distinctly I could not 
consent to this, as it was not the white man’s custom. I said 
that any presents I might give must be of my own free will ; 
no demands could I entertain. I wanted to shoot elephants : 
if they wished to have them shot, I would be glad of their help 
and guidance. On the other hand, if they did not wish me to 
