BRINGING HIM TO CAMP. 175 
order to carry him. We cut a long pole, and then tied its 
body on it. Then at one end there was Querlaouen, and 
at the other Gambo and Malaouen, while I took the lead, 
and so we returned by the way we had come. That 
gorilla must have weighed between three and four hun- 
dred pounds. 
You might ask how we could find our way back in 
this immense forest, where the trees are so thick and 
close together. I will tell you. 
As we advanced, we bent down or broke the boughs 
of trees which we passed. If afraid of making a noise, 
we quietly took the leaves, and as we went on we spread 
them on the ground, but above all we noticed every thing, 
especially the trees, and it is wonderful how quick one 
acquires this habit of observation. Yet, despite all this, 
now and then people get lost, but it is generally because 
they have not been careful enough, and have not followed 
the rules of whichI have told you. 
On the hunting grounds the Bakalai seemed to know 
every inch of ground, every tree and shrub. 
At last we reached the camp. How glad we were! 
It was almost dark, and we were very tired; the two boys 
welcomed us and cooked our evening meal. ‘Tremen- 
dous fires were lighted, and my three fellows laid flat on 
the ground, the soles of their feet almost touching the 
fire. It is wonderful how by doing this they rest them, 
and cure the soreness which a long march occasions. 
I do not know how, but we all fell asleep without 
knowing it, leaving the boys to keep watch; and when 
I awoke during the night Gambo was snoring in a most 
fearful manner, Malaouen had almost his back in the fire 
and did not feel it, while the position of Querlaouen was 
