The wind swept the
smoke on before, and left in view the velvety black surface, that had
been completely denuded by the flames.
The natives had killed many antelopes, but the rhinoceros had gone
through their nets like a cobweb. Several buffaloes had been seen, but
they had broken out in a different direction. Lieut. Baker had killed
three leucotis, Abd-el-Kader had killed one, and had hit a native in the
leg with a bullet, while aiming at a galloping antelope. I had killed
five.
I doctored the native, and gave him some milk to drink, and his friends
carried him home. This was a very unfortunate accident, and from that
day the natives gave Abd-el-Kader a wide berth.
Most of the women were heavily laden with meat: the nets were quickly
gathered up, and, with whistles blowing as a rejoicing, the natives
returned homewards.
The women were very industrious, and never went home empty-handed; but
if some were unfortunate in their supply of meat, they gathered immense
bundles of firewood, which they carried many miles upon their heads to
their respective villages . . . .
The time passed very happily at Fatiko, and the fact of my joining with
the natives in their sports added to the confidence already established.
