324 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA chap. 



I did not see much game in the desert, as was to 

 be expected, but came across a large turtle wandering 

 about in stolid indifference to its surroundings. The 

 sight of it aroused superstitious fears in some of the 

 men, who at once broke off a few brambles from 

 the scrub and covered it up, I suppose with the 

 object of averting evil. 



We found the Rendile at Serramba very kind and 

 hospitable, and although there was after all no spring 

 at this place, and they themselves were compelled 

 to bring water daily from a distance in jars on their 

 camels, yet they freely gave us from the stock which 

 they held in reserve. 



Next morning we left our kind hosts and con- 

 tinued our journey towards the Guaso Nyiro, 

 reaching Nayssoe about mid-day. Lemerlene was 

 much pleased to see us again, and brought me some 

 sheep and goats, for which of course I paid him with 

 amerikani and beads. I also asked him to waive 

 his objection to crossing the Samburu country and 

 hire me eight camels to take us to the Guaso Nyiro, 

 as some of the camel men who came with us from 

 Marsabit wished to return to their home from this 

 place. 



The old chief, to my surprise, made no difficulty 

 about lending the camels, probably because he had 

 been so liberally paid for those which I had hired 

 for the journey to Marsabit. 



