A Thousand Miles in a Machilla 



to the westward the country fell away gradually 

 towards the lake. There was forest everywhere, 

 but frequently through a clearing we had an ex- 

 tensive view over the low country. 



We reached our camp by six o'clock, to find 

 that John had arranged it very well and that 

 " Cooky" had provided us with an excellent dinner. 

 Everything went smoothly and we retired to rest, 

 delighted to be in the jungle at last, and con- 

 fident that we had every prospect of a successful 

 trip. 



Next morning we were up and about soon after 

 sunrise, but as every one was strange to their work, 

 and as no system had as yet been established, it 

 was some time before we got under way. A 

 started ahead about 7 A.M., in the hope of seeing 

 game, but it was eight o'clock when I got off at 

 the head of the caravan, and I travelled sixteen 

 miles in my machilla before rejoining him. The 

 road was downhill the whole way until we reached 

 the Shire valley ; the scenery was extremely pretty, 

 and much of the same character as that of the 

 previous day. The temperature rose as we de- 

 scended, and by the time we reached the foot of 

 the hills it was really hot, which was not surprising, 

 as the altitude had fallen to eighteen hundred 

 feet. 



About five miles short of Liwonde we left the 

 high road, and following a native track for a couple 

 of miles or so, reached a village at 1 1 A.M. and 

 settled ourselves under some fine trees to await the 

 arrival of our baggage; we had taken the precaution 



34 



