rise to the surface and take a breath of air; then,
sinking, would remain beneath the surface, until they
had been carried by the swift current a distance of
ten or fifteen yards; when they would again reappear,
and repeat the operation. In this way the loads were
taken across in safety.
George reported that when he left Kibwezi, Lieutenant
von Hohnel was rapidly improving under the
treatment of the doctor, who had assured him that
although the wound would not permanently affect
him, yet it would be impossible for Lieutenant von
Hohnel to continue the journey in Africa, and he
would have to return to Europe.
Owing to the unusual rainy season, and the attendant
fly, only forty-two of the donkeys purchased by
George were alive; so I decided to leave them in
Ukambani, where pasturage was good, until the river
had lowered sufficiently to permit their ferriage without
difficulty. I decided to set out in the meantime
with fifty or sixty of my men, and go to Kythere,
where, the Wanderobbo told me, Masai were living
who possessed many donkeys. I hoped to accomplish
the journey in three weeks, and then set out once
more for the north thoroughly equipped.
Since the departure of the porters Hamidi had
brought with him from the coast, my men appeared
to be in excellent spirits. They had little, if any,
work to perform, and had enjoyed double rations of
food. To enable the men to share the pleasure I
experienced upon the return of George and the men
I had sent with him, I distributed a large present of
cloth among them.
A t this time we thought our trials and tribulations
were almost at an end, and hoped the New Year
would find us well on our way. But, alas! within
the next few hours we were to learrt how impossible
it is in Africa to count upon what a single day may
bring forth.
C o u n t r y n e a r G u a s o N y i r o R i v e r