But other incidents
which happened subsequently showed, as well as this, that idolaters
are not so virtuous as those who have no idols.
As the people on the banks of the Leeba were the last of Shinte's tribe
over which Intemese had power, he was naturally anxious to remain as long
as possible. He was not idle, but made a large wooden mortar and pestle for
his wife during our journey. He also carved many wooden spoons and a bowl;
then commenced a basket; but as what he considered good living
was any thing but agreeable to us, who had been accustomed to milk and maize,
we went forward on the 2d without him. He soon followed, but left
our pontoon, saying it would be brought by the head man of the village.
This was a great loss, as we afterward found; it remained at this village
more than a year, and when we returned a mouse had eaten a hole in it.
We entered on an extensive plain beyond the Leeba, at least twenty
miles broad, and covered with water, ankle deep in the shallowest parts.
We deviated somewhat from our N.W. course by the direction of Intemese,
and kept the hills Piri nearly on our right during a great part
of the first day, in order to avoid the still more deeply flooded plains
of Lobale (Luval?) on the west.
