Yamba acted as cook and waitress, but after a time the work was more than she could cope with unaided.

You see, she had to _find_ the food as well as cook it.

The girls, who were, of course, looked upon as my wives by the tribe (this was their greatest protection), knew nothing about root-hunting, and therefore they did not attempt to accompany Yamba on her daily expeditions.

I was in something of a dilemma.

If I engaged other native women to help Yamba, they also would be recognised as my wives.