I therefore changed the subject by saying that our people were starving on the other side, and that provisions must be sent immediately.

In all savage countries the most trifling demand requires much talking.

They said that provisions were scarce, and that until Kamrasi should give the order, they could give no supplies.
Understanding most thoroughly the natural instincts of the natives, I told them that I must send the canoe across to fetch three oxen that I wished to slaughter.

The bait took at once, and several men ran for the canoe, and we sent one of our black women across with a message to the people that three men, with their guns and ammunition, were to accompany the canoe and guide three oxen across by swimming them with ropes tied to their horns.

These were the riding oxen of some of the men that it was necessary to slaughter, to exchange the flesh for flour and other supplies.
Hardly had the few boatmen departed than some one shouted suddenly, and the entire crowd sprang to their feet and rushed toward the hut where I had left Mrs.Baker.For the moment I thought that the hut was on fire, and I joined the crowd and arrived at the doorway, where I found a tremendous press to see some extraordinary sight.