MOMBASA. 69 



the moment we let our main baggage go, and 

 occupied ourselves only with getting through our 

 smaller effects. This accomplished, we stepped 

 out past the Sikh into the grateful night. 



We had as guide a slender and wiry individual 

 clad in tarboush and long white robe. In a 

 vague, general way we knew that the town of 

 Mombasa was across the island and about four 

 miles distant. In what direction or how we 

 got there we had not the remotest idea. 



The guide set off at a brisk pace with which 

 we tried in vain to keep step. He knew the 

 ground, and we did not ; and the night was 

 black dark. Commands to stop were of no 

 avail whatever ; nor could we get hold of him 

 to restrain him by force. When we put on 

 speed he put on speed too. His white robe glim- 

 mered ahead of us just in sight ; and in the 

 darkness other white robes, passing and crossing, 

 glimmered also. At first the ground was rough, 

 so that we stumbled outrageously. Billy and 

 B. soon fell behind, and I heard their voices 

 calling plaintively for us to slow down a bit. 



" If I ever lose this nigger, I'll never find him 

 again," I shouted back, " but I can find you. 

 Do the best you can ! " 



We struck a smoother road that led up a hill 



