Going Solo

Returning home late at night, Dahl finds his silver Arab sword missing. Dahl’s anxiety grows until Mdisho appears, holding the sword stained with dried blood. Mdisho recounts his journey to a German sisal planter’s house, motivated by hearing about the war. He had killed the German, decapitating him with Dahl’s sword, and returned, believing his act of violence was a triumph. Dahl refrains from expressing disapproval and instead explains the gravity of Mdisho’s actions and the possible repercussions from authorities. Although Mdisho struggles to understand why he couldn’t share his deed with others, Dahl stresses the necessity of secrecy to avoid severe consequences.

To mitigate Mdisho’s disappointment, Dahl announces his plan to join the war as a pilot, indicating he will soon leave for training. He gifts the sword to Mdisho as a token of bravery, instructing him to clean it thoroughly and keep it if it were a going-away present. Mdisho, despite initial reluctance, accepts the gift, proud yet somber, agreeing to keep the details of his act confidential.

In November 1939, Dahl joins the RAF to fight in the war and leaves his job at the Shell Company. He embarks on a solo journey from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi, encountering wildlife such as giraffes and elephants.