A Reception In The Jungle
The day had been very hot and we had traveled not less than 20
mile on the foot. As our path lay through one of the thickest jungles in the
world, we had not had much of rest or sleep since we had entered in two days
earlier. We had exhausted our water supply in the afternoon, and had not come
across a stream or a spring where we should have quenched our thirst. Even the
last loaf of bread in our bags had been eaten. We were very hungry and thirsty.
We were even more tired.
The sun was at the point of setting when we emerged from the
jungle. Before us lay a vast stretch of land dotted with villages here and
there, form which columns of smoke were raising steadily. We made for the
nearest one. The hope of getting some food and water, and a place to rest in
the village had the effect of quickening our pace.
Having reached the outskirts of the village, we met one of its
inhabitants a short, dark man in his forties. Our leader tried to ask him
whether we could buy some refreshments in the village, and find shelter there
for the night. The man however puzzled us by turning back and running away as
fast as his legs could carry him without uttering a word in reply. Had we come
to village where our language was not understood Did they refuse to admit
strange at all Had somebody been expecting us there These and many other
questions suggested themselves to us
But we were not left long in doubt as to our reception a village.
A huge procession was seen moving towards us. At the head of the procession
there were three young women In the light of the torches which some people
carried before them. The woman appeared dark like the man who had just met us.
It was a noisy crowd that followed them and we were not certain as to what was
going to happen to us. Had we not been as tired as we were, we would have fled
back into the jungle.
The procession approached us and came to a halt. The tallest of
the women spoke in English to our leader. She and the other two were daughters
of the headman of the village. At that time, the chief himself was not at home.
In his absence, the village and its people, all members of his tribe, were
governed by her. If we promised to stay peacefully, we could pass the night
there. We would be supplied with food, water, and a tent where we could sleep.
But constant watch would be kept on our movements so that we .committed no
mischief while in the village. Of course, being peaceful explorers. We had no
objection to this arrangement.
We were led to spring where we washed ourselves. Then we had
dinner at the chief's house, as his daughter's guests. As soon as the meal was
over we were led to a tent. There were comfortable straw beds on the floor
there. The moment we lay down on them. We were fast asleep, not knowing or caring
what our guards had in mind about us.
Write By Hasnain
Muneer
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