CHAPTER X 



THE LADO ENCLAVE 



Our next camp was made some sixteen miles south-west 

 of Farbra, close to a small stream, and on a high piece 

 of ground overlooking the wild country around us. In 

 the west there rose the rough verdure-clad hills of the 

 divide, the border between the Belgian Congo and the 

 Enclave of Lado. About a mile away to the north from 

 where I stood, a small range of hills ran east and west, 

 terminating, however, somewhat abruptly before reaching 

 the border. In the east, fully forty miles away, stretched 

 the blue shimmering waters of the great White Nile. 

 Looking over to the south-east I could make out the 

 precipitous shores of Lake Albert running from east to 

 west and forming the southerly limit of the Enclave 

 above Mahagi. All round us there was wild bush country. 

 Here and there a thin blue column of smoke curling 

 heavenwards indicated straggling villages which lay 

 hidden among the trees and bush. The yelp of a pariah 

 dog ever and anon reached our ears, the bleating of goats, 

 and now and again the dull notes of a drum would come 

 from afar. The nearest village appeared to be about 

 three or four miles away, so I looked forward to having a 

 fairly quiet evening ; what a treat it would be to get 

 away from the noise and inquisitiveness of the men, 

 women, and children. However, not an hour had passed 

 from the time of our arrival before a small party of 

 natives with bows and arrows were seen coming through 



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