Rastus in Zululand

Rastus is an odd jobs man who takes on such work when necessary but prefers to sleep when he has a few small coins in his pocket. At the beginning of the scene, he is searching for a comfortable place to rest, and the picturesque banks of a small stream catch his eye. Although it is sunny, a warm climate suits him, and he settles down for a nap. In his dreams, he rises and makes his way to the water, where cotton bales provide the finest kind of couches. On his way, he passes a sailors' boarding house where men are being sent on a long voyage. The neat sailor uniforms and the promise of good pay appeal to Rastus, and before he fully realizes it, he signs up for the cruise. He is outfitted at a slop shop, but he quickly loses his confidence and is practically forced onto the ship by the captain. The ship is wrecked on the east coast of Africa, and Rastus is the only survivor.