It was Frank's turn to read on the next day, and, promptly11 at the appointed hour, the reader and his audience were in their places. Without any preliminary remarks, the youth plunged12 at once into the midst of his subject.
DOUBLE IRON BELLS OF URANGI.
"On the morning of the 10th of February natives from down river appeared to escort us, and our friends of Rubunga also despatched a canoe and five men to introduce us to Urangi. In about two hours we arrived at the very populous13 settlement of Urangi, consisting of several villages almost joining one another. I doubt whether the people of Urangi and Rubunga are cannibals, though we obtained proof sufficient that human life is not a subject of concern with them, and the necklaces of human teeth which they wore were by no means assuring—they provoked morbid14 ideas.
"We received a noisy and demonstrative welcome. In the afternoon the great chief of Urangi made his presence known by sounding his double iron gong. This gong consisted of two long, iron, bell-shaped instruments, connected above by an iron handle, which, when beaten with a short stick with a ball of india-rubber at the end, produced very agreeable musical sounds. He had a kindly15 reception, and though he manifested no desire or declared any intention of reciprocating16 our gift, he did not leave our camp dissatisfied with his present. He loudly proclaimed to the assembly in the[Pg 278] river something to the effect that I was his brother; that peace and good-will should prevail, and that everybody should behave, and 'make plenty of trade.' But on his departure his people became roguish and like wild children. Scores of canoes flitted here and there, up and down, along the front of the camp, which gave us opportunities of observing that every person was tattooed17 in the most abominable18 manner; that the coiffeur's art was carried to perfection; that human teeth were popular ornaments19 for the neck; that their own teeth were filed; that brass20 wire to an astonishing quantity had been brought to them by the Bangala; as they had coils of it upon their arms and legs, and ruffs of it resting upon their shoulders; that while the men wore ample loin-coverings of grass-cloth, their women went naked; that ivory was to be purchased here to any amount, and that palm-wine had affected21 the heads of a great many. We also discovered that Urangi possessed22 about a dozen muskets24.
"During the night we heard drumming and the report of muskets, but were not otherwise disturbed. As we departed down the river in the morning we were treacherously25 attacked by a fleet of canoes, and had a hard fight to beat them off. Hitherto, on the river, we had only the arrows and spears of the natives to fear, but now they were using muskets.
"There was an abundance of animal life along the river. On the islands we saw several elephants; the river was full of crocodiles and hippopotami, and along the islands and banks there were flocks of storks27, cranes, ducks, egrets, flamingoes, spur-winged geese, and other aquatic30 birds. We saw many fine specimens31 of the Balin?ceps Rex, identical with the one inhabiting the Upper Nile. He makes his home among the lotus-flowers and papyrus-plants, and is noticeable for his enormous beak.
THE BALIN?CEPS REX.
"During the forenoon of the 14th of February, while anxiously looking out lest we should be taken by some erratic32 channels in view of other villages, we arrived at the end of an island, which, after some hesitation33, we followed along the right. Two islands were to the right of us, and prevented us from observing the mainland. But after descending34 two miles we came in full view of a small settlement on the right bank. Too late to return, we crept along down river, hugging the island as closely as possible, in order to arrive at a channel before the natives should sight us. But, alas36! even in the midst of our prayers for deliverance, sharp, quick taps on a native kettle-drum sent our blood bounding to the heart, and we listened in agony for the response. Presently one drum after another[Pg 279]
"In very despair I sprang to my feet, and, addressing my distressed39 and long-suffering followers40, said, 'It is of no use, my friends, to hope to escape these blood-thirsty pagans. Those drums mean war. Yet it is very possible these are the Bangala, in which case, being traders, they will have heard of the men by the sea, and a little present may satisfy the chiefs. Now, while I take the sun you prepare your guns, your powder and bullets; see that every shield is ready to lift at once, as soon as you see or hear one gun-shot. It is only in that way I can save you, for every pagan now, from here to the sea, is armed with a gun, and they are black like you, and they have a hundred guns to your one. If we must die, we will die with guns in our hands, like men. While I am speaking, and trying to make friendship with them, let no one speak or move.'
"We drew ashore41 at the little island, opposite the highest village, and at noon I obtained by observation north latitude42 1° 7' 0". Meanwhile savage3 madness was being heated by the thunder of drums, canoes were mustering43, guns were being loaded, spears and broadswords were being sharpened, all against us, merely because we were strangers, and afloat on their waters. Yet we had the will and the means to purchase amity44. We were ready to submit to any tax, imposition, or insolent45 demand for the privilege of a peaceful passage. Except life, or one drop of our blood, we would sacrifice anything.
"Slowly and silently we withdrew from the shelter of the island and began the descent of the stream. The boat took position in front, Frank's canoe, the Ocean, on the right, Manwa Sera's, London Town, to the left. Beyond Manwa Sera's canoe was the uninhabited island, the great length of which had ensnared us and hedged us in to the conflict. From our right the enemy would appear with muskets and spears and an unquenchable ferocity, unless we could mollify him.
"We had left Observation Island about half a mile behind us when the prows46 of many canoes were seen to emerge out of the creek. I stood up and edged towards them, holding a long piece of red cloth in one hand and a coil of brass wire in the other. We rested on our oars48, and the men quietly placed their paddles in their canoes, and sat up, watchful49, but ready for contingencies50. As we floated down, numbers of canoes advanced.
"I hailed the natives, who were the most brilliantly decorated of any yet seen. At a distance they all appeared to wear something like English University caps, though of a white color. There was a great deal of glitter and flash of metal, shining brass, copper51, and bright steel among them.
"The natives returned no answer to my hail; still I persisted, with the same artfulness of manner that had been so successful at Rubunga. I observed three or four canoes approaching Frank's vessel52 with a most suspicious air about them, and several of their canoes menacing him, at which Frank stood up and menaced them with his weapon. I thought the act premature53, and ordered him to sit down and to look away from them. I again raised the crimson54 cloth and wire, and by pantomime offered to give it to those in front, whom I was previously55 addressing; but almost immediately those natives who had threatened Frank fired into my boat, wounding three of my young crew—Mambu, Murabo, and Jaffari—and two more natives fired into Frank's canoe, wounding two—Hatib and Muftah.[Pg 281]
[Pg 282] The missiles fired into us were jagged pieces of iron and copper ore precisely56 similar to those which the Ashantees employed. After this murderous outrage57 there was no effort made to secure peace. The shields were lifted, and proved capital defences against the hail of slugs. Boat, shields, and canoes were pitted, but only a few shields were perforated.
A CANNIBAL CHIEF.
"The conflict began in earnest, and lasted so long that ammunition58 had to be redistributed. We perceived that, as the conflict continued, every village sent out its quota59. About two o'clock a canoe advanced with a swaggering air, its crew evidently intoxicated60, and fired at us when within thirty yards. The boat instantly swept down to it and captured it, but the crew sprang into the river, and, being capital swimmers, were saved by a timely arrival of their friends. At three o'clock I counted sixty-three opposed to us. Some of the Bangala distinguished61 themselves by an audacity62 and courage that, for our own sakes, I was glad to see was not general. Especially one young chief, distinguished by his head-dress of white goat-skin and a short mantle63 of the same material, and wreaths of thick brass wire on neck, arms, and legs, sufficient, indeed, to have protected those parts from slugs, and proving him to be a man of consequence. His canoe-mates were ten in number; and his steersman, by his adroitness64 and dexterity65, managed the canoe so well that, after he and his mates had fired their guns, he instantly presented its prow47 and only a thin line of upright figures to our aim. Each time he dashed up to deliver his fire all the canoes of his countrymen seemed stimulated66 by his example to emulate67 him. And, allowing five guns on an average to each of the sixty-three canoes, there were three hundred and fifteen muskets opposed to our forty-four. Their mistake was in supposing their slugs to have the same penetrative effect and long range as our missiles had. Only a few of the boldest approached, after they had experienced our fire, within a hundred yards. The young chief already mentioned frequently charged to within fifty yards, and delivered a smashing charge of missiles, almost all of which were either too low or too high. Finally Manwa Sera wounded him with a Snider bullet in the thigh68. The brave fellow coolly, and in presence of us all, took a piece of cloth and deliberately69 bandaged it, and then calmly retreated towards shore. The action was so noble and graceful70 that orders were given to let him withdraw unmolested. After his departure the firing became desultory71, and at 5.30 p.m. our antagonists72 retired73, leaving us to attend to our wounded, and to give three hearty74 cheers at our success. This was our thirty-first fight on the terrible river—the last but one—and certainly the most determined75 conflict that we had endured.
"The Bangala may be said to be the Ashantees of the Livingstone River, though their country has comparatively but a small populated river front. Their villages cover—at intervals76 of a mile or half a mile—a line of ten miles. They trade with Ikengo and Irebu down the river all the ivory they have purchased from Upoto, Gunji, Mpisa, Ukeré, Rubunga, Urangi, Mpakiwana, and Marunja. I observed soon after the fight began that many canoes emerged out of a river coming from a northerly direction. For a long period the river of Bangala has appeared on West African maps as the Bancaro River. The word Bangala, which may be pronounced Bangara, Bankara, or Bankaro, signifies the people of Mangala or Mangara, Mankara or Mankaro. I have simply adopted the more popular term.
THE ATTACK OF THE SIXTY-THREE CANOES OF THE PIRATICAL BANGALA.
"We continued our journey on this eventful day until an hour after sunset,[Pg 283]
[Pg 284] when we proceeded to establish a camp at the head of a narrow, tortuous77 channel, which lost itself amid the clusters of small islets.
"On the 15th, at noon, we reached north latitude 0° 58' 0". The strong winds which at this season blow daily up river impeded78 our journey greatly. They generally began at 8 a.m., and lasted until 3 p.m. When narrow channels were open to us we were enabled to proceed without interruption, but when exposed to broad open streams the waves rose as high as two feet, and were a source of considerable danger. Indeed, from the regularity79 and increased force of the winds, I half suspected at the time that the Livingstone emptied into some vast lake such as the Victoria Nyanza. The mean temperature in the shade seldom exceeded 74° Fahrenheit80, and the climate, though not dry, was far more agreeable than the clammy humidity characteristic of the east coast. The difference between the heat in this elevated region and that of the east coast was such that, while it was dangerous to travel in the sun without a sun-umbrella, near the sea on the east coast a light double-cotton cloth cap saved me from feeling any inconvenience when standing81 up in the boat under a bright glaring sun and cloudless sky. While sitting down in the boat, a few minutes was sufficient to convince me it was dangerous, without an umbrella, even here. While at work at the Stanley Falls the umbrella was not used. The nights were uncomfortable without a blanket, and sometimes even two were desirable.
POISONED ARROWS.
"The winds which prevail at this season of the year are from the southwest, or south, which means from the temperate82 latitude of the South Atlantic, and slightly chilled in their passage over the western ranges. In the early morning the thermometer was often as low as 64°. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. it ranged from 75° to 85° Fahrenheit in the shade; from 4 p.m. to sunset it ranged from 72° to 80°. From the 12th of January until the 5th of March we experienced no rain.
"One remarkable83 fact connected with our life in this region is, that though we endured more anxiety of mind and more strain on the body, were subject to constant peril84, and fared harder (being compelled for weeks to subsist85 on green bananas, cassava, and sugarless tea, and those frequently in scanty86 quantities), we—Frank and I—enjoyed better health on the Livingstone than at any other period of the journey; but whether this unusual health might not be attributed to having become more acclimatized is a question.
"The mirage87 on the Livingstone was often ludicrously deceptive88, playing on our fears at a most trying period, in a manner which plunged us from a temporary enjoyment89 of our immunity90 from attack into a state of suspicion and alarm, which probably, in nine cases out of ten, arose out of the exaggerated proportions given to a flock of pelicans91 or wild geese, which to our nerves, then in a high state of tension, appeared to be a very host of tall warriors93. A young crocodile basking95 on a sandy spit appeared to be as large as a canoe, and an ancient and bleached96 tree a ship.
A CROCODILE HUNT.
"At noon of the 17th we had reached north latitude 0° 18' 41", our course during[Pg 285]
[Pg 286] the 16th and 17th having been southwest, but a little before sunset the immense river was gradually deflecting97 to south.
"I quote the following from my note-book:
"'February 18, 1877.—For three days we have been permitted, through the mercy of God, to descend35 this great river uninterrupted by savage clamor or ferocity. Winds during two days seriously impeded us, and were a cause for anxiety, but yesterday was fine and calm, and the river like a sheet of burnished98 glass; we therefore made good progress. In the afternoon we encountered a native trading expedition from Ikengo in three canoes, one of which was manned by fifteen paddlers, clothed in robes of crimson blanket-cloth. We hailed them, but they refused to answer us. This sight makes me believe the river must be pretty free of cataracts99, and it may be that there are no more than the Sundi cataract100, and the Falls of Yellalla reported by Tuckey in 1816, otherwise I cannot account for the ascent101 of three trading vessels102, and such extensive possession of cloths and guns, so far up the river.
"'Since the 10th of February we have been unable to purchase food, or indeed approach a settlement for any amicable103 purpose. The aborigines have been so hostile that even fishing-canoes have fired at us as though we were harmless game. God alone knows how we shall prosper104 below. But let come what may, I have purposed to attempt communicating with the natives to-morrow. A violent death will be preferable to death by starvation.
"'February 19, 1877.—This morning we regarded each other as fated victims of protracted106 famine, or the rage of savages, like those of Mangala. But as we feared famine most, we resolved to confront the natives again. At 10 a.m., while we were descending the Livingstone along the left bank, we discovered an enormous river, considerably107 over a thousand yards wide, with a strong current, and deep, of the color of black tea. This is the largest influent yet discovered, and after joining the Livingstone it appeared to command the left half to itself—it strangely refuses to amalgamate108 with the Livingstone, and the divisional line between them is plainly marked by a zigzag109 ripple110, as though the two great streams contended with one another for the mastery. Even the Aruwimi and the Lowwa united would not greatly exceed this giant influent. Its strong current and black water contrast very strongly with the whitey-brown Livingstone. On the upper side of the confluence111 is situate Ibonga, but the natives, though not openly hostile, replied to us with the peculiar112 war-cries "Yaha-ha-ha!"
"'We continued our journey, though grievously hungry, past Bwena and Inguba, doing our utmost to induce the staring fishermen to communicate with us, without any success. They became at once officiously busy with guns, and dangerously active. We arrived at Ikengo, and as we were almost despairing we proceeded to a small island opposite this settlement and prepared to encamp. Soon a canoe with seven men came dashing across, and we prepared our moneys for exhibition. They unhesitatingly advanced, and ran their canoe alongside us. We were rapturously joyful113, and returned them a most cordial welcome, as the act was a most auspicious114 sign of confidence. We were liberal, and the natives fearlessly accepted our presents, and from this giving of gifts we proceeded to seal this incipient115 friendship with our blood with all due ceremony.
ELEPHANT HUNTERS ON THE CONGO.
"'After an hour's stay with us they returned to communicate with their countrymen,[Pg 287]
[Pg 288] leaving one young fellow with us, which was another act of grace. Soon from a village below Ikengo two more canoes came up with two chiefs, who were extremely insolent and provoking, though after nearly two and a half years' experience of African manners we were not to be put out of temper because two drunken savages chose to be overbearing.
AFRICAN KNIFE AND AXES.
"'By and by they cooled down. We got them to sit and talk, and we laughed together, and were apparently116 the best of friends. Of all the things which struck their fancy, my note-book, which they called "tara-tara," or looking-glass, appeared to them to be the most wonderful. They believed it possessed manifold virtues117, and that it came from above. Would I, could I, sell it to them? It would have found a ready sale. But as it contained records of disaster by flood and fire, charts of rivers and creeks118 and islands, sketches120 of men and manners, notes upon a thousand objects, I could not part with it even for a tusk121 of ivory.
"'They got angry and sulky again. It was like playing with and coaxing122 spoiled children. We amused them in various ways, and they finally became composed, and were conquered by good-nature. With a generous scorn of return gifts, they presented me with a gourdful123 of palm-wine. But I begged so earnestly for food that they sent their canoes back, and, while they sat down by my side, it devolved upon me until their return to fascinate and charm them with benignant gestures and broken talk. About 3 p.m. provisions came in basketfuls of cassava tubers, bananas, and long plantains, and the two chiefs made me rich by their liberality, while the people began also to thaw124 from that stupor125 into which impending126 famine had plunged them. At sunset our two friends, with whom I had labored127 with a zealot's enthusiasm, retired, each leaving with me a spear as a pledge that they would return to-morrow, and renew our friendly intercourse128, with canoe-loads of provisions.
[Pg 289]
SPEARS, AND SHIELD OF ELEPHANT-HIDE.
[Pg 290]
"'February 20, 1877.—My two friends brought most liberal supplies with them of cassava tubers, cassava loaves, flour, maize129, plantains, and bananas, and two small goats, besides two large gourdfuls of palm-wine, and, what was better, they had induced their countrymen to respond to the demand for food. We held a market on Mwangangala Island, at which there was no scarcity130 of supplies; black pigs, goats, sheep, bananas, plantains, cassava bread, flour, maize, sweet potatoes, yams, and fish being the principal things brought for sale.
"'The tall chief of Bwena and the chief of Inguba, influenced by the two chiefs of Ikengo, also thawed131, and announced their coming by sounding those curious double bell-gongs, and blowing long horns of ivory, the notes of which distance made quite harmonious132. During the whole of this day life was most enjoyable, intercourse unreservedly friendly, and though most of the people were armed with guns there was no manifestation133 of the least desire to be uncivil, rude, or hostile, which inspired us once more with a feeling of security to which we had been strangers since leaving Urangi.
"'From my friends I learned that the name of the great river above Bwena is called Ikelemba. When I asked them which was the largest river, that which flowed by Mangala, or that which came from the southeast, they replied, that though Ikelemba River was very large, it was not equal to the "big river." They said it would take me thirty days to reach the cataracts of the lower part of the river.
"'Every weapon these natives possess is decorated with fine brass wire and brass tacks134. Their knives are beautiful weapons, of a bill-hook pattern, the handles of which are also profusely135 decorated with an amount of brass-work and skill that places them very high among the clever tribes. These knives are carried in broad sheaths of red buffalo-hide, and are suspended by a belt of the same material. Besides an antique flint-lock musket23, each warrior94 is armed with from four to five light and long assegais, with staves of the Curtisia faginea, and a bill-hook sword. They are a finely formed people, of a chocolate brown, very partial to camwood powder and palm-oil. Snuff is very freely taken, and their tobacco is most pungent136.
"'February 21.—This afternoon at 2 p.m. we continued our journey. Eight canoes accompanied us some distance, and then parted from us, with many demonstrations137 of friendship. The river flows from Ikengo southwesterly, the flood of the Ikelemba retaining its dark color, and spreading over a breadth of three thousand yards; the Livingstone's pure, whitey-gray waters flow over a breadth of about five thousand yards, in many broad channels.'
"From the left bank we crossed to the right, on the morning of the 22d, and, clinging to the wooded shores of Ubangi, had reached at noon south latitude 0° 51' 13". Two hours later we came to where the great river contracted to a breadth of three thousand yards, flowing between two low, rocky points, both of which were populous, well cultivated, and rich with banana plantations141. Below these points the river slowly widened again, and islands well wooded, like those farther up the river, rose into view, until by their number they formed once more intricate channels and winding142 creeks.
SPECTATORS AMONG THE TREES.
"Desirous of testing the character of the natives, we pulled across to the left bank, until, meeting with a small party of fishermen, we were again driven by their ferocity to seek the untravelled and unpopulated island wildernesses143. It was rather amusing than otherwise to observe the readiness of the savages of Irebu to[Pg 291]
[Pg 292] fire their guns at us. They appeared to think that we were human waifs without parentage, guardianship145, or means of protection, for their audacity was excessive. One canoe with only four men dashed down at us from behind an island close to the left bank, and fired point-blank from a distance of one hundred yards. Another party ran along a spit of sand and coolly waited our approach on their knees, and, though we sheered off to a distance of two hundred yards from them, they poured a harmless volley of slugs towards us, at which Baraka, the humorist, said that the pagans caused us to 'eat more iron than grain.'
"Such frantic146 creatures, however, could not tempt105 us to fight them. The river was wide enough, channels innumerable afforded us means of escaping from their mad ferocity, and if poor purblind147 nature was so excessively arrogant148, Providence149 had kindly supplied us with crooked150 by-ways and unfrequented paths of water which we might pursue unmolested.
"At noon of the 23d we had reached 1° 22' 15" south latitude. Strong gales151 met us during each day. The islands were innumerable, creeks and channels winding in and out among the silent scenes. But though their general appearance was much the same, almost uniform in outline and size, the islands never became commonplace. Was it from gratitude152 at the security they afforded us from the ruthless people of these regions? I do not know, but every bosky island into whose dark depths, shadowed by impervious153 roofs of foliage154, we gazed had about it something kindly and prepossessing. Did we love them because, from being hunted by our kind, and ostracized155 from communities of men, we had come to regard them as our homes? I cannot tell, but I shall ever and forever remember them. Ah, had I but space, how I would revel156 in descriptions of their treasures and their delights! Even with their gad-flies and their tsetsé, their mosquitoes and their ants, I love them. There was no treachery or guile157 in their honest depths; the lurking158 assassin feared their twilight159 gloom; the savage dared not penetrate160 their shades without a feeling of horror; but to us they were refuges in our distress38, and their solitudes161 healed our woes162. How true the words, 'Affliction cometh not out of the dust, nor doth trouble spring out of the ground.' Innocence163 and peace dwelt in the wilderness144 alone. Outside of these retreats glared the fierce-eyed savage, with malice164 and rage in his heart, and deadly weapons in his hand.
"To us, then, these untenanted islets, with their 'breadths of tropic shade, and palms in clusters,' seemed verily 'knots of paradise.' Like hunted beasts of the chase, we sought the gloom and solitudes of the wilds. Along the meandering165 and embowered creeks, hugging the shadows of the o'erarching woods, we sought for that safety which man refused us.
"The great river grew sealike in breadth below Irebu on the morning of the 24th; indeed, it might have been one hundred miles in breadth for aught we knew, deep-buried as we were among the islands. Yet there were broad and deep channels on every side of us, as well as narrow creeks between lengthy166 islands. The volume of water appeared exhaustless, though distributed over such an enormous width. There was water sufficient to float the most powerful steamers that float in the Mississippi. Here and there among the verdured isles167 gleamed broad humps of white sand, but on either side were streams several hundred yards wide, with as much as three fathoms168' depth of water in the channels.
[Pg 293]
"At noon we reached south latitude 1° 37' 22". The Mompurengi natives appeared on an island and expressed their feelings by discharging two guns at us, which we did not resent, but steadily169 held on our way. An hour afterwards faithful Amina, wife of Kachéché, breathed her last, making a most affecting end.
"Being told by Kachéché that his poor wife was dying, I drew my boat alongside of the canoe she was lying in. She was quite sensible, but very weak. 'Ah, master,' she said, 'I shall never see the sea again. Your child Amina is dying. I have so wished to see the cocoanuts and the mangoes; but no; Amina is dying—dying in a pagan land. She will never see Zanzibar. The master has been good to his children, and Amina remembers it. It is a bad world, master, and you have lost your way in it. Good-bye, master; do not forget poor little Amina!'
"While floating down we dressed Amina in her shroud170, and laid her tenderly out, and at sunset consigned171 her body to the depths of the silent river.
"The morning of the 25th saw us once again on the broad stream floating down. We got a view of the mainland to the right, and discovered it to be very low. We hurried away into the island creeks, and floated down among many reedy, grassy172 islets, the haunt of bold hippopotami, one of which made a rush at a canoe with open mouth, but contented173 himself fortunately with a paddle, which he crunched174 into splinters.
"On the 26th the grassy islets became more frequent, inhabited by the flamingo29, pelican92, stork28, whydahs, ibis, geese, ducks, etc. The salt-makers find a great source of wealth in the grasses, and the smoke of their fires floated over the country in clouds.
"At 10 a.m. the Levy Hills rose into view about two miles beyond the river, on the left bank, which as we neared Kutumpuku approached the river, and formed a ridge175. Instantly the sight of the approaching hills suggested cataracts, and the memories of the terrible struggles we had undergone in passing the Stanley Falls were then brought vividly176 to our mind. What should we do with our sadly weakened force, were we to experience the same horrible scenes again?
"At noon I took an observation, and ascertained177 that we were in south latitude 2° 23' 14". Edging off towards the right bank, we came to a creek, which, from the immense number of those amphibious animals, I have called 'Hippopotamus Creek.' Grass-covered islets, innumerable to us as we passed by them, were on either side. When about half-way through this creek we encountered seven canoes, loaded with men, about to proceed to their fishing haunts. Our sudden meeting occasioned a panic among the natives, and as man had hitherto been a dreaded178 object, it occasioned us also not a little uneasiness. Fortunately, however, they retreated in haste, uttering their fearful 'Yaha-ha-has,' and we steadily pursued our way down river, and about 3 p.m. emerged in view of the united stream, four thousand yards wide, contracted by the steep cultivated slopes of Bolobo on the left, and by a beautiful high upland—which had gradually been lifting from the level plains—on the right bank.
"For a moment, as we issued in view of the stream, with scores of native canoes passing backward and forward, either fishing or proceeding179 to the grassy islets to their fish-sheds and salt-making, we feared that we should have another conflict; but though they looked at us wonderingly, there was no demonstration138 of hostility180. One man in a canoe, in answer to our question, replied that the bold[Pg 294] heights two hundred feet above the river, which swarmed181 with villages, was Bolobo. Being so near the border of the savage lands above, we thought it safer to wait yet one more day before attempting further intercourse with them.
"On the 27th, during the morning, we were still among islets and waving branches, but towards the afternoon the islets had disappeared, and we were in view of a magnificent breadth of four miles of clear water. On our left the cultivated uplands of Bolobo had become elevated into a line of wooded hills, and on our right the wall of the brown, grassy upland rose high and steep, broken against the sky-line into cones182.
"Gradually the shores contracted, until at 3 p.m. the right bank deflected183 to a southeast course, and finally shot out a long rocky point, which to us, accustomed to an enormous breadth of river, appeared as though it were the commencement of a cataract. We approached it with the utmost caution, but on arriving near it we discovered that the mirage had exaggerated its length and height, for between it and the left bank were at least two thousand five hundred yards of deep water.
"The time had now come when we could no longer sneak184 among reedy islets, or wander in secret among wildernesses of water; we must once more confront man. The native, as we had ascertained opposite Bolobo, was not the destructive infuriate of Irebu or Mompurengi, or the frantic brute185 of Mangala and Marunja. He appeared to be toning down into the man, and to understand that others of his species inhabited this globe. At least, we hoped so. We wished to test the accuracy of this belief, and now eagerly searched for opportunities to exchange greetings, and to claim kindred with him. As we had industriously186 collected a copious187 vocabulary of African languages, we felt a certain confidence that we had been sufficiently188 initiated189 into the science of aboriginal190 language to be able to begin practising it.
"Behind the rocky point were three natives fishing for minnows with hand-nets. We lay to on our oars and accosted191 them. They replied to us clearly and calmly. There was none of that fierce fluster192 and bluster193 and wild excitement that we had come to recognize as the preliminary symptoms of a conflict. The word ndu—brother—was more frequent. To our overtures194 of friendship there was a visible inclination195 of assent196; there was a manifest desire to accept our conciliatory sentiments; for we received conciliatory responses. Who could doubt a pacific conclusion to the negotiations197? Our tact198 and diplomacy199 had been educated in a rough school of adversity. Once the attention of the natives had been arrested, and their confidence obtained, we had never failed to come to a friendly understanding.
ENCOUNTER WITH A HIPPOPOTAMUS.
"They showed us a camping-place at the base of the brown, grassy upland, in the midst of a thin grove200 of trees. They readily subscribed201 to all the requirements of friendship, blood-brotherhood, and an exchange of a few small gifts. Two of them then crossed the river to Chumbiri, whose green, wooded slopes and fields, and villages and landing-place, were visible, to tell the King of Chumbiri that peaceable strangers desired friendship with him. They appeared to have described us to him as most engaging people, and to have obtained his cordial co-operation and sympathy in a very short time, for soon three canoes appeared conveying about forty men, under three of his sons, who bore to us the royal spear, and several royal gifts, such as palm-wine, a goat, bananas, and a chicken for myself,[Pg 295]
[Pg 296] and a hearty welcome from the old king, their father, with the addition of a promise that he would call himself the next day.
A PRESENT FROM CHUMBIRI.
"About 9 a.m. of the 28th, the king of Chumbiri appeared with éclat. Five canoes filled with musketeers escorted him.
THE KING OF CHUMBIRI.
"Though the sketch119 below is an admirable likeness202 of him, it may be well also to append a verbal description. A small-eyed man of fifty years or thereabout, with a well-formed nose, but wide nostrils203 and thin lips, clean shaved—or rather clean-plucked—with a quiet yet sociable204 demeanor205, ceremonious and mild-voiced, with the instincts of a greedy trader cropping out of him at all points, and cunning beyond measure. The type of his curious hat may be seen on the head of any Armenian priest. It was formed out of close-plaited hyphene-palm fibre, sufficiently durable206 to outlast207 his life though he might live a century. From his left shoulder, across his chest, was suspended the sword of the bill-hook pattern, already described in the passages about Ikengo. Above his shoulder stood upright the bristles208 of an elephant's tail. His hand was armed with a buffalo's tail, made into a fly-flapper, to whisk mosquitoes[Pg 297] and gnats209 off the royal face. To his wrist were attached the odds210 and ends which the laws of superstition211 had enjoined212 upon him, such as charm-gourds, charm-powders in bits of red and black flannel213, and a collection of wooden antiquities214, besides a snuff-gourd and a parcel of tobacco-leaves.
GREAT PIPE OF KING OF CHUMBIRI.
"The king's people were apparently very loyal and devoted215 to him, and his sons showed remarkable submissiveness. The little snuff-gourd was in constant requisition, and he took immoderate quantities, inhaling216 a quarter of a teaspoonful217 at a time from the palm of his hand, to which he pressed his poor nose until it seemed to be forced into his forehead. Immediately after, one of his filially affectionate children would fill his long chibouque, which was six feet in length, decorated with brass tacks and tassels218 of braided cloth. The bowl was of iron, and large enough to contain half an ounce of tobacco. He would then take two or three long-drawn whiffs, until his cheeks were distended219 like two hemispheres, and fumigate220 his charms thoroughly221 with the smoke. His sons then relieved him of the pipe—at which he snapped his fingers—and distended their cheeks into hemispherical protuberances in like manner, and also in the same way fumigated222 their little charms; and so the chibouque of peace and sociability223 went the round of the circle, as though it were a council of Sioux about to hold a pow-wow, and as the pipe passed round there was an interchange of finger-snaps in a decorous, grave, and ceremonious style.
"Our intercourse with the king was very friendly, and it was apparent that we were mutually pleased. The only fault that I, as a stranger, could find in him was an excessive cunning, which approached to the sublime224. He had evidently cultivated fraud and duplicity as an art, yet he was suave225 and wheedling226. Could I complain? Never were people so willing to be victimized. Had we been warned that he would victimize us, I do not think that we should have refused his friendship.
"An invitation was extended to us to make his own village our home. We were hungry; and no doubt we were approaching cataracts. It would be welcome knowledge to know what to expect below in that broad defile227 filled by the great river; what peoples, countries, tribes, villages, rivers we should see; if the tribes were amenable228 to reason in the unknown country; if white men had ever been heard of; if there were cataracts below, and if they were passable. We accepted the invitation, and crossed the river, drums and double bell-gongs sounding the peaceful advance of our flotilla upon Chumbiri.
"We were proud of our reception by the dames229 of Chumbiri. Loyal and submissive to their king, they exhibited kindly attentions to the strangers. We held a grand market, and won the natives' hearts by our liberality. Back rations140 for several days were due to our people, and, filled with an extravagant230 delight—even as Frank and I were—they expended231 their ration139 moneys with a recklessness of[Pg 298] consequences which only the novelty of the situation explained. We had arrived at port, and weather-beaten voyagers are generally free with their moneys upon such occasions.
ONE OF THE KING'S WIVES AT CHUMBIRI.
"The dames of Chumbiri were worth seeing, even to us, who were sated with the thousand curious things we had met in our long travels. They were also pretty, of a rich brown color many of them, large-eyed, and finely formed, with a graceful curve of shoulder I had not often observed. But they were slaves of fashion. Six tenths of the females wore brass collars two inches in diameter; three tenths had them two and a half inches in diameter; one tenth were oppressed with collars three inches in diameter; which completely covered the neck, and nearly reached the shoulder ends. Fancy the weight of thirty pounds of brass, soldered232 permanently233 round the neck! Yet these oppressed women were the favorite wives of Chumbiri! And they rejoiced in their oppression!
"I believe that Chumbiri—who, as I said, was a keen and enterprising trader, the first aboriginal African that might be compared to a Parsee—as soon as he obtained any brass wire, melted it and forged it into brass collars for his wives. That the collars were not larger may be attributed, perhaps, to his poverty. He boasted to me he possessed 'four tens' of wives, and each wife was collared permanently in thick brass. I made a rough calculation, and I estimated that his wives bore about their necks until death at least eight hundred pounds of brass; his daughters—he had six—one hundred and twenty pounds; his favorite female slaves about two hundred pounds. Add six pounds of brass wire to each wife and daughter for arm and leg ornaments, and one is astonished to discover that Chumbiri possesses a portable store of one thousand three hundred and ninety-six pounds of brass.
"I asked of Chumbiri what he did with the brass on the neck of a dead wife. Chumbiri smiled. Cunning rogue234; he regarded me benevolently235, as though he loved me for the searching question. Significantly he drew his finger across his throat.
"The warriors and young men are distinguished for a characteristic style of hair-dressing, which belongs to Uyanzi alone. It is arranged into four separate plaits, two of which overhang the forehead like lovers' curls. Another special mark of Uyanzi are two tattooed lines over the forehead. In whatever part of the lower Livingstone these peculiarities236 of style may be seen, they are indubitably Wy-yanzi, or natives of Uyanzi.
"The country of Uyanzi embraces many small districts, and extends along the left bank of the great river, from Bolobo, in south latitude 2° 23' 14", to the confluence of the Ibari Nkutu, or river of Nkutu, and the Livingstone, in 3° 14' south latitude. The principal districts are Bolobo, Isangu, Chumbiri, Musevoka, Misongo, and Ibaka. Opposite is the country of the Bateké, a wilder tribe than the Wy-yanzi,[Pg 299] some of the more eastern of whom are professed237 cannibals. To the north is the cannibal tribe of the Wanfuninga, of ferocious238 repute, and dreaded by the Wy-yanzi and Bateké.
"On the 7th of March we parted from the friendly king of Chumbiri, with an escort of forty-five men, in three canoes, under the leadership of his eldest239 son, who was instructed by his father to accompany us as far as the pool, now called Stanley Pool, because of an incident which will be described hereafter.
"For some reason we crossed the river, and camped on the right bank, two miles below Chumbiri. At midnight the Wy-yanzi awoke us all by the fervor240 with which they employed their fetishes to guide us safely from camp to camp, which they named. As they had been very successful in charming away the rain with which we had been threatened the evening before, our people were delighted to hear them pray for success, having implicit241 faith in them."
[Pg 300]
A BOWMAN.
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1
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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tributary
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| n.支流；纳贡国；adj.附庸的；辅助的；支流的 | |
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levy
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| n.征收税或其他款项，征收额 | |
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hippopotamus
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| n.河马 | |
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creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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10
potentate
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| n.统治者；君主 | |
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promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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populous
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| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
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morbid
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| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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reciprocating
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| adj.往复的；来回的；交替的；摆动的v.报答，酬答( reciprocate的现在分词 )；（机器的部件）直线往复运动 | |
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17
tattooed
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| v.刺青，文身( tattoo的过去式和过去分词 )；连续有节奏地敲击；作连续有节奏的敲击 | |
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18
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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treacherously
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| 背信弃义地； 背叛地； 靠不住地； 危险地 | |
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beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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storks
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| n.鹳( stork的名词复数 ) | |
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stork
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| n.鹳 | |
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flamingo
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| n.红鹳，火烈鸟 | |
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30
aquatic
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| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
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31
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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32
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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34
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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35
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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36
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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37
titanic
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| adj.巨人的，庞大的，强大的 | |
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38
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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40
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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41
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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42
latitude
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| n.纬度，行动或言论的自由(范围)，(pl.)地区 | |
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43
mustering
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| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的现在分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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44
amity
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| n.友好关系 | |
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45
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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46
prows
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| n.船首( prow的名词复数 ) | |
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prow
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| n.(飞机)机头，船头 | |
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48
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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49
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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50
contingencies
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| n.偶然发生的事故，意外事故( contingency的名词复数 )；以备万一 | |
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51
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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52
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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53
premature
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| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
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54
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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55
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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56
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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57
outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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58
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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59
quota
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| n.（生产、进出口等的）配额，（移民的）限额 | |
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60
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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61
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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62
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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63
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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64
adroitness
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65
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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66
stimulated
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| a.刺激的 | |
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67
emulate
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| v.努力赶上或超越，与…竞争；效仿 | |
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68
thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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69
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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70
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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71
desultory
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| adj.散漫的，无方法的 | |
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72
antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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73
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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74
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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75
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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76
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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77
tortuous
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| adj.弯弯曲曲的，蜿蜒的 | |
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78
impeded
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| 阻碍，妨碍，阻止( impede的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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79
regularity
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| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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80
Fahrenheit
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| n./adj.华氏温度；华氏温度计(的) | |
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81
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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82
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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83
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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84
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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85
subsist
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| vi.生存，存在，供养 | |
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86
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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87
mirage
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| n.海市蜃楼，幻景 | |
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88
deceptive
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| adj.骗人的，造成假象的，靠不住的 | |
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89
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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90
immunity
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| n.优惠；免除；豁免，豁免权 | |
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91
pelicans
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| n.鹈鹕( pelican的名词复数 ) | |
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92
pelican
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| n.鹈鹕，伽蓝鸟 | |
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93
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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94
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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95
basking
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| v.晒太阳，取暖( bask的现在分词 )；对…感到乐趣；因他人的功绩而出名；仰仗…的余泽 | |
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96
bleached
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| 漂白的，晒白的，颜色变浅的 | |
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97
deflecting
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| （使）偏斜， （使）偏离， （使）转向( deflect的现在分词 ) | |
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98
burnished
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| adj.抛光的，光亮的v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的过去式和过去分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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99
cataracts
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| n.大瀑布( cataract的名词复数 )；白内障 | |
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100
cataract
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| n.大瀑布，奔流，洪水，白内障 | |
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101
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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102
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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103
amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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104
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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105
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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106
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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107
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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108
amalgamate
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| v.(指业务等)合并，混合 | |
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109
zigzag
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| n.曲折，之字形；adj.曲折的，锯齿形的；adv.曲折地，成锯齿形地；vt.使曲折；vi.曲折前行 | |
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110
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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111
confluence
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| n.汇合，聚集 | |
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112
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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113
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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114
auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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115
incipient
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| adj.起初的，发端的，初期的 | |
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116
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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117
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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118
creeks
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| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
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119
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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120
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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121
tusk
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| n.獠牙，长牙，象牙 | |
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122
coaxing
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| v.哄，用好话劝说( coax的现在分词 )；巧言骗取；哄劝，劝诱；“锻炼”效应 | |
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123
gourdful
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| n.一葫芦的量，一瓢的量 | |
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124
thaw
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| v.（使）融化，（使）变得友善；n.融化，缓和 | |
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125
stupor
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| v.昏迷；不省人事 | |
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126
impending
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| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
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127
labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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128
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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129
maize
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| n.玉米 | |
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130
scarcity
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| n.缺乏，不足，萧条 | |
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131
thawed
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| 解冻 | |
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132
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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133
manifestation
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| n.表现形式；表明；现象 | |
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134
tacks
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| 大头钉( tack的名词复数 )； 平头钉； 航向； 方法 | |
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135
profusely
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| ad.abundantly | |
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136
pungent
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| adj.（气味、味道）刺激性的，辛辣的；尖锐的 | |
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137
demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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138
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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139
ration
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| n.定量(pl.)给养，口粮；vt.定量供应 | |
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140
rations
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| 定量( ration的名词复数 )； 配给量； 正常量； 合理的量 | |
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141
plantations
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| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
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142
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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143
wildernesses
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| 荒野( wilderness的名词复数 )； 沙漠； （政治家）在野； 不再当政（或掌权） | |
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144
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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145
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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146
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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147
purblind
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| adj.半盲的；愚笨的 | |
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148
arrogant
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的 | |
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149
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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150
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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151
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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152
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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153
impervious
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| adj.不能渗透的，不能穿过的，不易伤害的 | |
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154
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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155
ostracized
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| v.放逐( ostracize的过去式和过去分词 )；流放；摈弃；排斥 | |
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156
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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157
guile
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| n.诈术 | |
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158
lurking
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| 潜在 | |
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159
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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160
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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161
solitudes
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| n.独居( solitude的名词复数 )；孤独；荒僻的地方；人迹罕至的地方 | |
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162
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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163
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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164
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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165
meandering
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| 蜿蜒的河流，漫步，聊天 | |
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166
lengthy
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| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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167
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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168
fathoms
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| 英寻( fathom的名词复数 ) | |
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169
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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170
shroud
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| n.裹尸布，寿衣；罩，幕；vt.覆盖，隐藏 | |
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171
consigned
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| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
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172
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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173
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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174
crunched
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| v.嘎吱嘎吱地咬嚼( crunch的过去式和过去分词 )；嘎吱作响；（快速大量地）处理信息；数字捣弄 | |
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175
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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176
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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177
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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178
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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179
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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180
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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181
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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182
cones
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| n.（人眼）圆锥细胞；圆锥体( cone的名词复数 )；球果；圆锥形东西；（盛冰淇淋的）锥形蛋卷筒 | |
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183
deflected
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| 偏离的 | |
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184
sneak
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| vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝)；偷偷摸摸做；n.潜行；adj.暗中进行 | |
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185
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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186
industriously
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187
copious
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| adj.丰富的，大量的 | |
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188
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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189
initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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190
aboriginal
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| adj.（指动植物）土生的，原产地的，土著的 | |
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191
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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192
fluster
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| adj.慌乱，狼狈，混乱，激动 | |
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193
bluster
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| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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194
overtures
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| n.主动的表示，提议；（向某人做出的）友好表示、姿态或提议( overture的名词复数 )；（歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的）序曲，前奏曲 | |
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195
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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196
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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197
negotiations
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| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
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198
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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199
diplomacy
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| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
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200
grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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201
subscribed
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| v.捐助( subscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；签署，题词；订阅；同意 | |
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202
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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203
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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204
sociable
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| adj.好交际的，友好的，合群的 | |
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205
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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206
durable
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| adj.持久的，耐久的 | |
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207
outlast
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| v.较…耐久 | |
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208
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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209
gnats
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| n.叮人小虫( gnat的名词复数 ) | |
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210
odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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211
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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212
enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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213
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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214
antiquities
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| n.古老( antiquity的名词复数 )；古迹；古人们；古代的风俗习惯 | |
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215
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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216
inhaling
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| v.吸入( inhale的现在分词 ) | |
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217
teaspoonful
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| n.一茶匙的量；一茶匙容量 | |
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218
tassels
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| n.穗( tassel的名词复数 )；流苏状物；（植物的）穗；玉蜀黍的穗状雄花v.抽穗， （玉米）长穗须( tassel的第三人称单数 )；使抽穗， （为了使作物茁壮生长）摘去穗状雄花；用流苏装饰 | |
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distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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220
fumigate
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| v.烟熏；用香薰 | |
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221
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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222
fumigated
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| v.用化学品熏（某物）消毒( fumigate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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223
sociability
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| n.好交际，社交性，善于交际 | |
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sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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226
wheedling
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的现在分词 ) | |
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defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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229
dames
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| n.（在英国）夫人（一种封号），夫人（爵士妻子的称号）( dame的名词复数 )；女人 | |
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230
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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232
soldered
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| v.（使）焊接，焊合( solder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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234
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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benevolently
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| adv.仁慈地，行善地 | |
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236
peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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237
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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240
fervor
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| n.热诚；热心；炽热 | |
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241
implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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