106 BARBIEN. 



two of these horrid creatures snugly ensconced in the folds ot 

 the blanket or under the pillow. On one occasion 1 killed 

 a scorpion measuring nearly seven and a half inches in 

 length, that had thus unceremoniously introduced itself into 

 my bed. 



The following morning our guide declared it to be only a 

 few hours' further traveling to Barmen- We therefore did 

 not hurry our departure, but took ample time to prepare, 

 and to partake of, a substantial breakfast, consisting of some 

 strong coffee, and steaks of zebra-flesh, simply prepared on 

 the hot embers of our bivouac fire. 



We arrived at Barmen just as the family was sitting down 

 to dinner, and Mr. Ilahn kindly invited us to join in the am- 

 ple repast. I was happy to find ]Mr. Gal ton in the enjoyment 

 of health and excellent spirits, and he seemed delighted at 

 our safe and speedy return. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Barmen. — Thunder-storm in the Tropics. — A Man killed by Light- 

 ning. — "Warm Sjjring. — Mr. Hahn : his Missionary Labor ; Seed 

 sown in exceeding stony Gi'ound. — The Lake Omanbonde. — Mr. 

 Gallon's Mission of Peace, — The Author meets a Lion by the way ; 

 the Beast bolts. — Singular Chase of a Gnoo. — "Killing two Birds 

 with one Stone." — A Lion Hunt, — The Author escapes Death by a 

 Miracle. — Consequences of shooting on a Sunday. 



At a first glance, Barmen has a rather dreary aspect. 

 Hans thought it resembled many of the most desolate parts 

 of Iceland ; but, when more closely examined, it is found to 

 be by no means devoid either of interest or beauty. It is 

 situated about three quarters of a mile from the Swakop, 

 and on its right bank. Toward the west, and immediately 

 behind the station, rise irregular masses of low, broken rocks, 

 ending abruptly on one side in a bluff, about one thousand 

 feet high. The whole are covered with a profusion of shrubs, 



