Moreover, they had lit large fires, about which they flitted in an
ominous and unpleasant fashion, that reminded me of some mediaeval
pictures of hell, which I had seen in an old book.
At last I could stand it no longer, and kicking Hans who, curled up
like a dog, slept at my feet, asked him what was going on. His answer
caused me to regret the question.
"Plenty of those slaves cannibal men, Baas. Think they eat the Arabs
and like them very much," he said with a yawn, then went to sleep
again.
I did not continue the conversation.
When at length we made a start on the following morning the sun was
high over us. Indeed, there was a great deal to do. The guns and
ammunition of the dead Arabs had to be collected; the ivory, of which
they carried a good store, must be buried, for to take it with us was
impossible, and the loads apportioned.[*] Also it was necessary to
make litters for the wounded, and to stir up the slaves from their
debauch, into the nature of which I made no further inquiries, was no
easy task.
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