OVER THE LIKIPIA ESCARPMENT 



rate than the station, a row of Indian dukkas, and two 

 houses of South Africans set back toward the rise in 

 the cliffs. A mile or so away, and on a little higher 

 level, stand the extensive buildings of an American 

 Mission. It is, I believe educational as well as 

 sectarian, is situated in one of the most healthful 

 climates of East Africa, and is prosperous. 



At the moment we saw none of these things. We 

 were too busy getting men, mules, and equipment, 

 out of the train. Our lanterns flared in the great 

 wind that swept down the defile; and across the track 

 little fires flared too. Shortly we made the ac- 

 quaintance of Ulyate, the South Africander who 

 furnished us our ox teams and wagon; and of a lank, 

 drawling youth who was to be our "rider." The 

 latter was very anxious to get started, so we piled 

 aboard the great wagon all our stores and equipment 

 but those immediately necessary for the night. 

 Then we returned to the dak-bungalow for a very 

 belated supper. While eating this we discussed our 

 plans. 



These were in essence very simple. Somewhere 

 south of the great Thirst of the Sotik was a river 

 called the Narossara. Back of the river were high 

 mountains, and down the river were benches drop- 

 ping off by thousands of feet to the barren country 

 of Lake Maghadi. Over some of this country ranged 



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