As we steamed up the Ruaha-Rufiji, we noticed a commotion on the far
shore. The smell of tar permeated the air and a glance through the
glass showed us about 50 native women clustering about one white man,
pulling and jabbing at him and pushing him towards a great
pot. Nearby, others were plucking the feathers from chickens and I
feared that something rather gruesome was about to happen to this
fellow. All of a sudden I realized that this man was our white hunter,
Ashley Fawlkes-Wolffingham and all at once he broke from the mob,
leapt to a raft and paddled toward us using his rifle as an oar. "What
ho, Ash" I ventured. "Just a small tally-ho party", he replied, a
spear zipping by his ear. "They don't seem too festive to me," I
said. "You should see how the men will take it,"he gasped, "but I'm
afraid that we shall just have to miss them for now." "I'll wait if
you like," I magnanimized. Ashley loaded his rifle and pointed it at
me; "Ass," he hissed. As usual, I knew I had gained another ally by
dint of my boundless wit and charm. So, raft in tow we steamed on the
great river.
Orkie