HOW THE MINES ARE WORKED
I will try to reproduce some of the conversation that went on that afternoon between my carriers. I will not give the native words but will translate into English the questions and answers as they were hurled back and forth. By way of explanation let me say beforehand that there is no word in any of the Congo dialects for "yes." Affirmation is always expressed by a grunt. Here is the conversation:
"Men of the white men."
"Ugh."
"Does he lie?"
"He lies not."
"Does he shirk?"
"No."
"Does he steal?"
"No."