236 
In the Heart of Africa 
followers. As we learned later, on our arrival in Europe, the 
aggressive attitude of the natives south-east of Mount Muha- 
wura, more particularly the attack by the chief Lukara, was 
responsible for the subsequent delay. This sultan and many of 
his warriors had lain in ambush for the geologist’s caravan and 
barred its path. As soon as the first arrows came whizzing over 
Kirschstein’s head he was forced to defend himself. A fight was 
quickly in progress, but, despite heavy firing, the enemy would 
not budge. Ever and again the enemy’s bowmen were spurred 
on to fresh onslaughts by a fellow in a red toga, who danced 
before and around them with wild and furious gestures. Kirsch- 
stein aimed at this man, and succeeded in shooting him down. 
Then only did the savage hordes, deprived of their leader, begin 
to yield. In spite of this, Kirschstein was in a very critical 
position, for when the cartridges were counted after the fight 
their total for the whole caravan was eleven. In order, if 
possible, to stave off a further attack, he caused threats of 
terrible punishments, in case the onslaught should be renewed, 
to be proclaimed throughout the district by means of a crier. 
This intimidatory measure fulfilled its purpose; Kirschstein was 
left in peace. 
As his stores were beginning to give out, he sent letters to 
me begging for provisions. At the same time he asked for in¬ 
structions and information as to the intentions of the main 
caravan. I never received these letters, nor did Kirschstein 
receive mine asking very urgently for an explanation of his 
absence. No doubt they were simply thrown aside by mail 
carriers, who were recruited from the natives, or stolen by 
force majeure. Thus, without any news and in a great state 
of uncertainty, further delay on our part would have been fruit¬ 
less. Beni and Rutschuru were communicated with by means 
of reliable messengers, and letters deposited there for Kirsch¬ 
stein. 
In Irumu packing proceeded apace. The day for departure 
dawned. How we missed our faithful Wassukuma and Manjema, 
who knew their individual loads even at a distance! Things 
