CHAP. Ill A GENEROUS OFFER 43 



but we had none of the maps or reports of any of these expedi- 

 tions. Our camp equipment was less imperfect, but it was 

 miserably unfitted for the work. The tents were rotten, and 

 one of the three had been blown to pieces. After a week's 

 work we were all in despair, though Harris and Stanford were 

 still resolved to go on. 



On 8th February a letter came from Witu, saying that the 

 Administrator officially warned us against attempting to go 

 near the Juba, as hostilities had broken out there and severe 

 fighting had taken place between the Somali and a naval 

 brigade. The day previously it had been decided that all the 

 Abyssinians must be sent back, and that one of us must go with 

 them to Aden, to arrange for their payment and transhipment 

 back to Massowah. This decision, which was a necessary one, 

 coupled with Mr. Piggott's warning, was the last blow that 

 settled the fate of the expedition. 



It was resolved that we should all return to Mombasa. 

 There we could discuss plans, and either arrange for a short 

 shooting trip to Kilima Njaro, or abandon the expedition 

 altogether. I said that I, at any rate, should make another 

 attempt to get inland. Harris and Benett-Stanford gener- 

 ously offered to set me free at once, and to let me take 

 whatever men and stores I wanted. The offer was tempting, 

 for it would have saved a couple of months' time. But 

 in spite of the tons of material in the camp, it was impossible 

 to equip a caravan of even thirty porters properly out of it. 

 So I declined this kind offer, and thought it best to return to 

 the coast with the others, and there make an entirely fresh 

 start. 



We all gave up the expedition very reluctantly, but it was 

 the only thing that could be done. When the trouble came 

 and our leader left us, Harris and Benett-Stanford did all that 

 men could do to carry the expedition on. But our caravan 

 fell, and all their efforts could not raise it. They worked with 

 judgment, pluck, and perseverance, and did not give in till the 

 absolutely hopeless nature of the task was apparent to every 

 one of us. 



Mackinnon's African experience was an extensive one. His 

 verdict was that the only thing that could be done was to 

 return to Mombasa, dismiss all the Abyssinians and all the 



