CHAPTER XIII.
My usual introduction--A serious entertainment--The power of the bow--Repulsive blacks--Mysterious spears--Waterless wastes--A battle with snakes--More prestige--Rubies thrown away--Quarrying extraordinary.
Occasionally one of the tribes would display hostility towards us at first sight, but I generally managed to ingratiate myself into their good graces by the exercise of a little diplomacy--and acrobatics.

Curiously enough, many of these tribes did not display much surprise at seeing a white man, apparently reserving all their amazement for Bruno's bark and the white man's wonderful performances.
I may here remark that, in the event of our coming across a hostile tribe who fought shy of my friendly advances, I would, without ceremony, introduce myself by dashing into their midst and turning a few somersaults or Catherine-wheels such as the London _gamins_ display for the benefit of easily-pleased excursionists.

This queer entertainment usually created roars of laughter, and set every one at his ease.
I remember once being surprised by the sudden appearance over the crest of a hillock of about twenty blacks, all well armed and presenting rather a formidable appearance.

The moment they caught sight of Yamba and myself they halted, whereupon I advanced and called out to them that I was a friend, at the same time holding out my passport stick.

By the way, the efficacy of this talisman varied according to the tribes.