tney was somewhat shaken. A
new motor-boat had just been received at Kabambaie and I thought I would
take a chance with it and start up the Kasai the next day. Moody,
assisted by several other engineers, set to work to get it in shape. At
noon of the second day, when we were about to start, the engine went on
a sympathetic strike with the jitney, and once more I was halted. I said
to Moody, "I am going to Tshikapa without any further delay if I have to
walk the whole way." This was not necessary for, thanks to the
Forminiere organization, which always has hundreds of native porters at
Kabambaie, I was able to organize a caravan in a few hours.

After lunch we departed with a complete outfit of tents, bedding, and
servants. The black personnel was thirty porters and a picked squad of
thirty-five teapoy boys to carry Moody and myself. Usually these
caravans have a flag. I had none so the teapoy capita fished out a big
red bandanna handkerchief, which he tied to a stick. With the crimson
banner flying and the teapoy carriers singing and playing rude native
instruments, we started off at a trot. I felt like an explorer going
into the unknown places. It was the real thing in jungle experience.

From two o'clock until sunset we trotted through the wilds, which were
almost thrillingly beautiful. In Africa there is no twilight, and
darkness swoops down like a hawk. All afternoon the teapoy men, after
their fashion, carried on what was literally a running crossfire of
questions among themselves. They usually boast of their strength and
their families and always discuss the white man they are carrying and
his characteristics. I heard much muttering of _Mafutta Mingi_ and I
knew long before we stopped that my weight was not a pleasant topic.

I will try to reproduce some of the conversation that went on that
afternoon between my carriers. I will not give the native words but will
translate into English the questions and answers as they were hurled
back and forth. By way of explanation let me say beforehand that there
is no word in any of the Congo dialects for "yes." Affirmation is always
expressed by a grunt. Here is the conversation:

"Men of the white men."

"Ugh."

"Does he lie?"

"He lies not."

"Does he shirk?"

"No."

"Does he steal?"

"No."

"Am I strong?"

"Ugh."

"Have I a good liver?"

"Ugh."

[Illustration: A CONGO DIAMOND MINE]

[Illustration: HOW THE MINES ARE WORKED]

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