white man was in Latooka, who wanted neither slaves
nor ivory.” The natives reported, that a quantity of
ivory existed in their country, and Ibrahim determined
to take a few men and pay it a visit, as the people
were said to he extremely friendly. I requested the
leader to point out the exact position of Obbo, which
I found to be S.W. That was precisely the direction
that I had wished to tak e ; thus an unexpected opportunity
presented itself, and I determined to start, without
delay. On the 2d of May, 1863, at 9 a .m ., we left
Latooka, delighted to change the scene, of inaction. I
left five men in charge of my camp and effects, begging
Commoro the chief to look after their safety, and
telling him that. I had no fear o'f trusting all to his
care. Savages will seldom deceive you if thus placed
upon their honour, this happy fact being one of the
bright rays in their darkness, and an instance of the
anomalous character of the African.
The route lay across the park-like valley of Latooka
for about eighteen miles, by which time we reached
the base of the mountain,chain.. There was no other
path than the native track, which led over a low range
of granite rocks, forming a ridge about four hundred
feet high. ' I t was with the greatest difficulty that the
loaded donkeys could .be hoisted over the numerous
blocks of granite that formed an irregular flight of
steps, like the ascent of the great pyramid ; however,
by pulling at their ears, and pushing behind, all except
one succeeded in gaining the summit ; lie was abandoned
on the pass.. !
We were now in the heart of the mountains, and a
beautiful valley, well wooded and about six miles in
width, lay before us, forming the basin of the Kanïëti
river that we had formerly crossed at Wakkala, between
Ellyria and Latooka. :
Fording this stream in a rapid current,'we crossed
with difficulty, the donkeys wetting all their loads.
This was of no great consequence, as a violent storm
suddenly overtook us and soaked everyone as thoroughly
as the donkeys’ packs. A few wild plantains afforded
leaves which we endeavoured to use as screens, but
the rain drops were far too heavy for such feeble protection.
Within a mile of the river we determined
to bivouac, as the evening had i ° arrived, and in such
weather an advance was out of the question. Thé tent
having been left at Latooka, there was no help for it,
and we were obliged to rest contented with our position
upon about an acre of clean rock plateau, upon which
we lighted an enormous fire, and crouched shivering
round the blaze. No grass was cut for the animals, as
the men had been too busy in collecting firewood sufficient
to last througO hout the nigOht. Some fowls that
v o l ; I. x