. Life and scenes in Congo . and the rough, sharp quartz. Early in the afternoon we arrived at the Nduzi orLuiza stream, and here we determined to pitch ourtent. The first days marching is always trying, andwe were both in an exhausted condition. Two men were told off to fix the tent; a third wasdespatched to gather kindling wood, while one of ourmen who acted as cook explored the depths of ourboxes of food, or chop boxes as they are popularlycalled. Some tall grass was removed, a space wascleared, the ground swept, and the tent erected. Itwas pitched toward the sunrising and near to the north
. Life and scenes in Congo . and the rough, sharp quartz. Early in the afternoon we arrived at the Nduzi orLuiza stream, and here we determined to pitch ourtent. The first days marching is always trying, andwe were both in an exhausted condition. Two men were told off to fix the tent; a third wasdespatched to gather kindling wood, while one of ourmen who acted as cook explored the depths of ourboxes of food, or chop boxes as they are popularlycalled. Some tall grass was removed, a space wascleared, the ground swept, and the tent erected. Itwas pitched toward the sunrising and near to the northbank of the stream. Just as the sun sank into the far west, the fire waskindled, and the crackling wood and the smoke andlight were a pleasing contrast to the sombre back-ground of trees and grass. For a few moments afterthe sun went down, there was perfect stillness. Ihoped that this might continue, but I was grievouslydisappointed; for, before darkness fairly set in, therewas every evidence that we should have a wakeful L. m^:^^ LIFE AND SCENES IN CONGO. 81 night. In vain did we make every eflFort to keep themosquitoes out of our tent. In vain did we repel theiradvances. The cry was ^ Still they come, and theycame. We utterly failed to secure balmy sleep/^ and,indeed, any kind of sleep. Nor were the mosquitoesthe only disturbers. Frogs croaked; various birdsscreeched and screamed; grasshoppers loudly chirped;and what with the insects and discordant music, wecould hardly be other than feverish in the morning. Before the sun peeped into our tent, we had risen,and roused the sleeping camp. I say sleeping camp,for myself and friend were probably the only oneswho were really disturbed. So we called : O Kuzielo (O cook). ^^ Yes, masta.^ Light fire one time (Light fire at once). Small bit fire live, masta. (In plainer Englishthat would mean, There is a little fire.) Well, make coffee quick, then we go. Yes, masta. A cup of coffee has a wonderful effect, and, after a sweet season of
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, bookidlifescenesin, bookyear1889
