FIRST the chief's sons came with a drill as soldiers that is known only in the German army. They presented front, and in a chorus said, “Tamekuja Bwana Mwalim” (We've come, Mr. Missionary).
“Well, what is it you want, my sons?” I said.
“We want to learn to read, during which time we want to live with you.”
“Well, but you can not appear before me again naked, nor so dirty.”
After a moment of quiet, as they evidently were struck with my firmness, they began to get uneasy. Finally they took breath, and asked: “But what shall we do? We have no clothes. Shall we wear skins of goats?”
“No, indeed! don't appear in goatskins. Buy clothes, and keep yourselves clean.”
“But we are too small to hoe and plant our own fields, so we can sell peanuts and buy clothes. And mother's field is not enough to eat and sell also.”
“All right, I am building a school, for which I shall have need of thatch and sticks. You may work for me until my school is finished, which will be enough to pay for your clothes” (consisting of a white jacket, and a piece of American cloth to tie about the loins).
“But how many days will we have to work?”
“Twelve days, if you work all day fast.”
“Ndie Bwana Mwalim” (Yes, Mr. Missionary), was the answer in a chorus, and with considerable satisfaction, off19went the whole squad, keeping step as well as they could, which was not faultlessly. This illustrates the need of this great mission field for Christian schools and teachers.
“WE’VE COME, MR. MISSIONARY,” AND THIS IS THE WAY THEY CAME
