RETURN TO THE GABOON. 423 



places are thickly entangled with an undergrowth 

 of brushwood and creepers almost impenetrable. I 

 saw no signs of game, and the Fans assured me that 

 at this time of the year there was none to be found. 

 After the rains, elephants and deer are sometimes 

 seen, but very rarely, and gorillas are only to be 

 found during the time that certain bush fruits are 

 ripe. 



Under these circumstances I determined to re- 

 trace my steps, and sleeping in the boat that 

 evening, the next morning at daylight I started on 

 my return to the Gaboon. 



