RETROSPECTION 



the memories of the pleasant incidents and small 

 triumphs, of which the journey has almost invariably 

 been full, and with the elation of achievement when 

 all is over. 



As I sit and write these lines, the remembrance 

 of pain and illness has faded, leaving in my mind a 

 picture of a succession of happy days crowded with 

 absorbing work and picturesque or thrilling incidents. 

 I seem to see again, as though it were only yesterday, 

 the Arrola, free and undisturbed, amidst its wild 

 surroundings ; or Mahommed AH and his followers 

 crowding round my tent in unaffected friendship and 

 good-will, or bowed in prayer to the All-Powerful in 

 simple and unquestioning belief. I can see again the 

 long line of laden camels, the swarthy guides and the 

 limitless expanse of bush and sand through which 

 they toiled. And I can still feel the exhilaration of 

 success that filled me when first I looked upon the 

 Lorian Swamp and knew that the most difficult part 

 of my journey was safely over. 



Such recollections, to me at any rate, are more 

 than a sufficient reward for any sacrifices or priva- 

 tions I had to endure in order to accomplish my 

 purpose. 



286 



