236 AFRICAN CAMP FIRES. 



be able to follow our trail. They might be almost 

 anywhere out in that awful scrub. The only 

 course open to them would be to climb thorn 

 trees for the night. Next day we would organize 

 a formal search for them. 



In the meantime, almost dead from exhaustion, 

 we sprawled about everywhere. The men, too 

 dispirited even to start their own camp-fires, sat 

 around resting as do boxers between rounds. 

 Then to us came Memba Sasa, who had already 

 that day made a double journey, and who should 

 have been the most tired of all. 



" Bwana," said he, " if you will lend me 

 Winchi,* and a lantern, I will bring in the men." 



We lent him his requirements, and he de- 

 parted. Hours later he returned, carefully leaned 

 " Winchi " in the corner of the tent, deposited 

 the lantern, and stood erect at attention. 



" Well, Memba Sasa," I inquired. 



" The men are here." 



"They were far?" 



" Very far." 



" Verna, Memba Sasa, assanti sana." f 



That was his sole and sufficient reward. 



* His name for the -405 Winchester. 



f " Very good, Memba Sasa, thanks very much." 



