It is believed that a graze
is fatal, and that the death is exceedingly painful: I doubt both
assertions. Most men also carry a pliable basket full of bamboo
caltrops, thin splints, pointed and poisoned. Placed upon the
path of a bare-footed enemy, this rude contrivance, combined with
the scratching of the thorns, and the gashing cuts of the grass,
must somewhat discourage pursuit. The shields of elephant hide
are large, square, and ponderous. The "terrible war-axe" is the
usual poor little tomahawk, more like a toy than a tool.
After a bathe in the muddy Mbokwe, I returned to the village, and
found it in a state of ferment. The Fan, like all inner African
tribes, with whom fighting is our fox-hunting, live in a chronic
state of ten days' war, and can never hold themselves safe; this
is the case especially where the slave trade has never been heard
of. Similarly the Ghazwah ("Razzia") of the Bedawin is for
plunder, not for captives. Surprises are rare, because they will
not march in the dark. Battles are not bloody; after two or three
warriors have fallen their corpses are dragged away to be
devoured, their friends save themselves by flight, and the weaker
side secures peace by paying sheep and goats.
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