208 LODGES IN THE WILDERNESS 



Our course lay along the western side of 

 the long, diminishing spur which almost con- 

 nects the T'Oums range with the river, its 

 compass-bearing being north-east by north. 

 Fauna, the elder of the two ladies, was ordered 

 to devote her attention to collecting zoological 

 specimens. She was given a strong metal 

 receptacle half filled with methylated spirits 

 in which corrosive sublimate had been dis- 

 solved. In this she had to souse her trove of 

 lizards, scorpions, centipedes and such snakes 

 as were not too large. She also carried a 

 cyanide bottle in which to immolate beetles 

 and other insects. Flora was entrusted with 

 a portfolio and directed to gather botanical 

 specimens. She wandered far afield, gleaning 

 the arid pastures. Fauna begged hard for 

 permission to accompany her, but this I 

 sternly refused. I was positive that — in spite 

 of my solemn warnings on the subject — as 

 soon as these women had got out of sight they 

 would have drunk the poisoned spirit. If this 

 had happened, the Raad might have hanged 

 me. I realised what a dangerous precedent I 

 had established in tacitly approving of the 

 punishment inflicted on Lothario. Whilst 

 Fauna carried that tank, she should not stir 

 from my side. 



