XXX BACK TO NAIROBI 383 



cover of a large tree. On seeing- me with my 

 camera levelled at him, he dived off into the thicket 

 with a startled yell, 



I intended to have camped at Fort Hall at the 

 end of this march, but, as we had to cross the river 

 by relays in one little boat, and the mules and 

 donkeys showed a strong objection to being towed 

 at the stern, it was nearly 9 o'clock in the evening 

 before the whole safari got over. I was compelled, 

 therefore, to remain by the river, although I was 

 anxious to see the doctor at Fort Hall at the earliest 

 possible moment. 



During the crossing of the Tana, the mule which 

 I rode after the death of Aladdin was very nearly 

 drowned. It had been hauled across the river with 

 much pains by means of ropes, but no sooner was 

 it released on the bank than it deliberately plunged 

 into the swollen torrent to rejoin the other mule 

 that was still on the far side awaiting his turn to be 

 pulled over. Luckily, there was an island in mid- 

 stream just below where the mule jumped in, and 

 on this he was flung by the flood, so after a great 

 deal of trouble we eventually managed to rescue 

 him from his awkward position and bring him 

 safely to the bank. 



On the following morning I looked long at the 

 Tana river, which rolled at my feet, and beyond at 

 the giant peak of Mount Kenya, which glistened in 



