AN ABRUPT CHANGE 



which dom palms were still the most conspicuous 

 feature. On looking- eastwards from the crest of the 

 first hill, this sudden change from rocky and undulat- 

 ing country to dense tropical vegetation was very 

 noticeable. Marti could be seen in the far distance 

 wrapt in haze, and this was the last point from which 

 it was visible. The march was continued through 

 hilly country, at times along the river banks, at others 

 across ridges and valleys, in order to avoid a detour. 

 In the middle of the morning I saw a tent, and 

 coming up and questioning the few men that were 

 lounging round, I discovered that it belonged to two 

 white men, and was their base camp, from which they 

 had started for a short trip on the north side of -the 

 river, but that they were expected back shortly. The 

 headboy said his masters were expecting me, as they 

 had heard at Nairobi that a man was trying to cross 

 Jubaland to reach the Lorian. After asking a few 

 more questions, I went on again, and did not halt till 

 noon, when I reached a delightful spot right on the 

 bank of the Uaso Nyiro, which at this point was only 

 sparsely covered with vegetation. 



For two hours the camels were allowed to feed, 

 while I rested under the shade of some huge palm 

 trees, and then the march was continued once more. 

 I now followed the course of the river, for the bush 

 was much thinner, and a faint trail made walking 

 easier. The sun, though hot, seemed only pleasantly 

 warm after the climate of Jubaland, and a cool breeze 

 now and then rustled through the palms, and lent 

 invigorating freshness to the air. 



Just before dusk I decided to camp, having covered 

 nearly thirty miles, and while waiting for the camels 

 I wandered round to see if I could shoot anythino- for 



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