CHAPTER XXV 
MAD BUFFALO AND FAITHLESS WIFE 
I do not wish to express any opinion as to the 
value of native superstitious beliefs, but their 
connection with an experience I once had with a 
buffalo brought about an extraordinary sequel. I 
will relate the story and leave the reader to 
formulate his own ideas upon the subject. 
At the time in question, I was encamped at the 
Sultan Leanduka’s village near the Luwegu River, 
a tributary of the Rufiji. One morning, about 
2 o’clock, I was awakened by Malingum, one of my 
trackers, who came to tell me that some natives had 
just arrived, in a state of great excitement, with the 
report that an elephant was in the act of plundering- 
one of their shambas, or gardens, and that in half 
an hour they could conduct me to the scene of 
spoliation. Feeling tired and sleepy and a little 
annoyed at this ruthless interruption of my 
peaceful slumbers at such an unearthly hour, I bade 
Malingum convey my sincere sympathy to the 
