52 
In the Heart of Africa 
ensure that we are not robbed of those rich territories lying west¬ 
ward of the lake. 
On the 14th of August we set out from Lake Mohasi towards 
the west, our road leading us at first through the swampy end 
of the lake. To accomplish the passage a huge quantity of 
papyrus stalks were cut and placed in layers. On this swaying 
but reliable foundation even the mules were able to pass across 
safely. Then the usual load-humping recommenced, which was 
a painful and laborious business at first for our carriers after 
their lengthy rest. 
Near the village of Katschuri, on a hill overlooking the sur¬ 
rounding country, there stood a mighty tree whose colossal crown 
of foliage seemed to invite us to a shady resting-place. Some 
beehives peeped out here and there between the branches, full of 
a promise of sweet gifts. The place seemed made for us, so 
we were soon lying at our ease beneath the tree’s friendly shade 
in full anticipation of a pleasant rest after our fatigues, whilst 
the Askari set about pitching the tents. 
On a sudden I jumped up, startled out of m}^ slumber by 
a painful sting behind my ear, followed quickly by another on 
my nose. A moment later Schubotz, who had just been watch- 
in'g my antics with a broad grin on his face, set up a cry of 
woe. Wiese, muttering maledictions, fumbled about in the air 
with his hands, striking out suddenly this way and that. Then 
arms and cloths were waving and whisking about in every 
direction. ''Nyuki, nyukil ” (“ the bees, the bees! ”) was heard on 
all sides ; and, just as if the swarming insects had waited for 
the battle-cry, the air was simply darkened by the vindictive 
little creatures. “ Nyukiy angalia! (“look out! ”) Nyuki!^^ The 
war-whoop resounded all over the camp. A fierce conflict raged 
for a few minutes, and then all was over. Cries of pain were 
heard on all sides, and there was nothing but hurrying and 
scurrying and indescribable confusion. Those who endeavoured 
to get their burdens into a place of security abandoned the effort 
and threw them down anywhere, and in a trice the whole crowd 
were flying down the hillside with the angry bees in hot pursuit. 
