Page 58 of In the Heat of the Jungle

The women looked much different from the men. Their shaved heads shone in the sunlight. Large collars of beads and coiled wires were worn about their necks. To Leigh, the weight seemed as if it would be uncomfortable, but the dark-skinned women didn’t appear to notice. They even slept on special wooden headrests to protect their jewelry. Most were attired inkikoi,a colorful sarong like garment.

The people greeting them were friendly and courteous. The Masai were said to make formidable enemies but very good friends. They were proud, old-fashioned people who retained their ancient and pastoral existence. They did not seem to mind the British takeover, or dislike the white intruders.

As Jace conversed with the tribesmen, Louisa declared, “I am not eating or sleeping here, Chad. We’ll probably all get sick and die.”

Chad pulled Jace aside and told him, “None of us want to spend the night here, Jace, or join these people for dinner. I’m afraid our diets and customs vary too much. I think you understand. Let’s visit a while, then move on before dark.”

Jace was disappointed, but didn’t argue. He had hoped to get Leigh alone tonight, after Johi used a “magical native potion” in the others’ wine, but he had realized bringing along wine would seem curious. “We’ll talk a few minutes, then find a place to make camp.”

The Masai insisted on dancing for them. A group of near-naked warriors carrying seven-foot spears gathered before the whites now sitting on brush mats. The men bunched tightly, gave a loud whoop, then leaped into the air in unison, except for one. Their greased, ochre-coated bodies undulated to a drum beat, then leapt upward again. A Masai chant was sung by the dancers. Drumming grew louder. Jumps moved closer together and higher. The man who did not leap with the others murmured a different chant, a longer one. The dancers all sang the same two words over and over.

It reminded Leigh of descriptions she had read of American Indian war dances and chants and their affect on the pioneers. But this was wonderful, not terrifying. It was primitive, hypnotic, and fascinating. She was enchanted by sight and sound.

“What are they saying?” she asked Jace.

“They’re telling about their adventures.”

“Men’s bawdy tales?” Louisa hinted.

“Something like that.”

Louisa leaned toward Jace. “Actually it’s very sensual and arousing, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t, Miss Jennings.”

“Well, I do,” she responded, undaunted.

Chad was talking with Leigh. “Isn’t this marvelous? Aren’t you glad we came? Everything’s going perfectly.”

“I’m having a glorious time, Chad, and all is well,” she said in a tone certain to get her meaning across.

Moving closer, Chad whispered, “I am being good.”

“Yes, you are, very good. It isn’t too hard, is it?”

He sent her an engaging grin. “Surprisingly not at all. Who knows? We might stay longer than planned. Would you like that?”

“What if the others get tired or bored?”

“They can leave anytime they like. They aren’t captives here.” He lowered his voice even more. “We might have more fun without them. Just me and you, and our guide.”

“That wouldn’t be proper,” she said, trying to discourage him.

“Under one circumstance, it would.”

“Stop teasing me, Chad.”

The drums and dance ended, and so did her dismaying banter with her guardian.

~*~

After their return to camp, it rained hard all day and night, and the bearers took cover in the jungle. A meat-and-vegetable stew was prepared by the servants beneath a canvas and brush shelter, then carried indoors and served to everyone. The others rested and played games, while Leigh snuggled up with a book. No one went outside in the storm, except Jace, who sneaked to Leigh’s tent.

As he unlaced the secret opening, she quickly put out the lantern to prevent telltale shadows on canvas walls. “Isn’t this dangerous, Jace?” she whispered, even though the rain was loud and heavy around them. She waited for him to seal the entrance.

“Yep, but I couldn’t wait any longer to get my arms around you. I’ve missed you, woman. You don’t know what pleasure I get from kissing you and touching you. It’s driving me wild.”

“Me, too. You’re soaked. Why don’t we get you out of these dripping clothes?”

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