CHAPTER XI. 



A BONNE BOUCHE. 



To our surprise and alarm, Selwin had not re- 

 turned. We knew that under the guidance of 

 Umpiqua he could not lose himself; therefore there 

 was no other way to account for his absence than 

 that he had broken down, so it was resolved to send 

 out a party in search of him as soon as supper had 

 been discussed. 



During our absence the hippo had floated ; in 

 consequence we were to have sea-cow steaks for our 

 evening meal. Sunday, tired as he must have been, 

 undertook the duties of cook, and anything more 

 delicious I do not think I ever ate ; it was like a 

 cross between green turtle and pork, but better than 

 either. We fortunately had with us some cayenne 

 pepper, also some lime juice for medicinal purposes. 

 A dash of both these relishes brought the flavour to 

 perfection, and the quantity we both ate would have 

 astonished anybody but elephant hunters. There 

 was but one regret, viz., that our missing friend was 

 not with us to enjoy the feast. However, much to 

 our delight, he turned up just as the boys were 

 going off in search of him. Through a badly fitting 

 boot he had become lame : thus accounting for his 



