Summary

Shiri describes the first few years of her marriage, which was a tense time for the nation as well. Shiri recalls how white children were instructed to arm themselves and join the Rhodesian army. Shiri also recalls her cousin, Tinawo Muti, who one day disappeared in order to train in a Tanzanian camp. Four years later, Tinawo returned, explaining that she worked undercover as a maid for Commander Charles Billingsworth Pelleday, the chief of the Rhodesian air force. Tinawo calls him “Commander Bigotsworth.” Linda follows Tinawo into the resistance army.

Eight months later, Shiri ran into Tinawo and Linda in Chakowa. They explained that their greatest weapon in the fight against the colonialists was their presumed stupidity. Tinawo told the story of when she was caught one day under Pelleday’s desk while trying to smuggle papers out of his safe. Hiding under the...