Bajri, as
called by the Arabs; gardens of sweet potatoes, large tracts of
cucumbers, water-melons, mush-melons, and pea-nuts which grew in
the deep furrows between the ridges of the holcus.
Some broad-leafed plantain plants were also seen in the
neighbourhood of the villages, which as we advanced became very
numerous. The villages of the Wakimbu are like those of the
Wagogo, square, flat-roofed, enclosing an open area, which is
sometimes divided into three or four parts by fences or matama
stalks.
At central Tura, where we encamped, we had evidence enough of
the rascality of the Wakimbu of Tura. Hamed, who, despite his
efforts to reach Unyanyembe in time to sell his cloths before other
Arabs came with cloth supplies, was unable to compel his pagazis
to the double march every day, was also encamped at Central Tura,
together with the Arab servants who preferred Hamed's imbecile
haste to Thani's cautious advance. Our first night in Unyamwezi
was very exciting indeed. The Musungu's camp was visited by two
crawling thieves, but they were soon made aware by the portentous
click of a trigger that the white man's camp was well guarded.
Hamed's camp was next visited; but here also the restlessness of
the owner frustrated their attempts, for he was pacing backwards
and forwards through his camp, with a loaded gun in his hand; and
the thieves were obliged to relinquish the chance of stealing any
of his bales.
