ble. Dr. Peters, in the book describing his journey,
tells how for weeks and weeks he made attempt after
attempt to cross the Tana after the rains, only to be
met with disappointment and failure. My men on the
other side of the Tana were provided
with food and trading-
goods only sufficient to last
them a short time; so that,
should the rains continue to fall
for a considerable period, I felt
sure my people would find it extremely
difficult to support life.
Nevertheless, nothing could be
done: Lieutenant von Hohnel
had to be borne to Kibwezi, and
I knew that George would not
loiter on the return journey. I
had nothing to do but fold my
hands, and fortify myself with
what philosophy I had for what
the Fates had in store forme.
Three days after the rains set
in, the men I had sent to Ukam-
bani returned, and reported that
b e r i -b e r i the river was much swollen, and
Medicine-man and Poisoner of that they experienced much diffithe
Daitcho c u l t y in their passage over it.
They had heard nothing of George and the men with
him. To state it mildly, my position at this time was
a most trying one. I was at Daitcho with 150 men
and no work for them to perform; my trading-goods,
sufficient for eighteen months’ travel, with 150 men,
C e r v i c a p r a C h a n l e r i