The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1885-08-29
THE WHITE MANS FETISH.
An Int sresting Experience In the Career
Of Mr.. Ii. NJ. HkanleY.

Mr. Stanley tells a characteristic
story of the way in which he gained the
respect and fear of an important tribe
who positively refused his expedition
passage. As the chief. after angry re-
fusals, was about to leave, the following
prearranged comedy was played for his
benefit:
while standing near the tent door.
for q moment irresolute, he caught
sight of the large Chinese gong sus-
pended to cross-bar supported by two
forked poles.
"'Whst is thisP' he asked, pointing
to the gong
est is fetish, l answered. senten-
tiously
His young son, Enjeli, who was
much more acute than his father, whis-
pered to him his belief that it was
kind of bell. upon which Ngalyema
cried out:
"'Bula Matari, strike this; let me
hear it,
80. Ngalyema, dare not; it is the
war fetishl'
".No. no, said be, impatiently. Beat
it. Bula Matari, that l may hear the
sound
81 dare not, Ngalyema. 1t is the
signal for war; it is the fetish that calls
up armed men; 1t would be too bad
"'No, no, no! tell you to strike.
Strike 1t, Bula Matari; and he stamped
on the ground with childish impotence.
"'Well. then'-taking the beaten in
my remember, 7 told you it was
bad fetish-a fetish for war; and as
lifted the beater high with uplifted
hand, asked again: Shall strike
nowp'
:" .Strike-strike 1t. tell your
with all my force l struck the gong;
the loud bell-like tone sounding in the
silence caused by the hushed, concen-
trated attention OF all upon the scene,
was startling in the extreme, but as the
rapid strokes were applied vigorously,
| the continued sounds seem to them like
thunder. They bad not recovered from
the first shock Of establishment when
the forms Of men were seen bounding
over the gunwale of the En- Avant'
right over their heads, and war-whoop-
ing In their ears. From my tent. and
from the gorge behind them. stream
of frantic infuriates emerged as though
| from the earth. The store-tent was
violently agitated, and finally collapsed,
and yelling crowd OF demonaic mad
men sprang out one after another,
every one apparently madden than his
neighbor The listless. sleepy-eyed
stragglers burst out into perfect frenzy
of action. From under the mats in the
huts there streamcd into view such a
frantic mob of armed men. that to the
panic-struck natives the sky and the
earth seemed to be contributing to the
continually Increasing number OF death
dealing warriors. Every native present,
would-be friend and would-be foe. lost
his senses completely. The seated
warriors forgot their guns and fled be-
fore this strange deluge and awful scene.
The ammunition bearers threw their
gourds away-some were broken, and
the powder and slugs were scattered
over the ground; and as Ngalyema was
standing paralyzed with fear, and with
his faculties benumbed, seized him by
the arm. and said softly to him.
"'Be not afraid. Ngalyema. Remem-
Der Bula Matari is your brother. Stand
behind me; 1 will protect you"
"The Zanzibaris were now yelling
crowd in front Of me, calling out taunt.
ingly and menacingly:
"'Ha, ha, Ngalyema! You came to
fight Bula Matari, Ngalyema! Where
are your warriors, Ngalyemap'
There could not be better repre-
sentation of relentless, bloodthrsty fury
than that which was shown by these
amateur black actors in the suddenly
improvised scene. Their assumed
frenzy was the next thing to reality
Had l not been In the secret / also,
should have been duped; while the valo,
with which defended my poor brother.
who with his two hands grasped me
round the waist, danced from side to
side to avoid furious strokes from the
wild-eyed men, while young Enjeli chung
behind his father and followed his
movements. reminded me of the long
forgotten play of hen and chickens.
"'Save me, Bula Matari; do not lei
them hurt me! l did not mean any.
thing cried Ngalyema.
"'Hold hard, Ngalyema!' l cried
Keep fast hold Of me; will defend
you, never fear. Come one, come all!
Ha, ha!' etc.
But the camp was almost emptied
of our visitors, much of the ammunition
was left behind, the guns were strewn
over the ground, and the play was we'll
acted.
| "'Enough, boys; fall into line;' and
Silence was cried out by Susi aud his
brother captains; and the obedient. we'll
trained fellows fell into line at Shoulder
arms with all the precision of military
veterans. Then, as Ngalyema had
allowed his hands to fall down by his
side in mute surprise at this other trans
formation scene, took hold of his two
hands, and said, with an assuring smile
| "'Well, Ngalyema. what do you now
think of the white mans fetishp'
"'Ah, was not afraid, was Ip See,
all my people are run away! Ay me,
such braves! Only Enjeli and Ganchu
left with me! But tell me. Bula Matari.
where did all these people come fromP
"'Ah, that is the bad fetish told yor
of! Do you want to see any moreg
Come, will strike the gong again, and
the next scene may perhaps be more
wonderful STILL
"'What!' he shrieked. while he laid
his hand upon my arm. No. no; don
touch it. Ay, verify, that must be
bad fetish shaking his head at th,