244 THE REDISCOVERED COUNTRY 



within twenty yards or so of us. At noon we gave it 

 up, agreeing that it was interesting; but, barring mi- 

 raculous luck, likely to prove unproductive for months. 

 But the old man had worked so hard, was so keen, and 

 really knew his job so well, that we gave him three 

 rupees and a knife. Beside, he was rather a pathetic 

 figure at the head of his two little girls and two little 

 boys trudging down after water, and no bibi"^ at all. A 

 load of peanuts — sixty pounds — came in, for which we 

 paid cash 3J cents. Three more men down with fever. 



Morning, 68; noon, 88; night, 74. 



October 4. — Many forest hyraxes calling all night, 

 and the most shrill and pleasing chorus of insects. We 

 returned to Walioba's by a route of our own, and saved 

 two and a half hours' march, which indicates well the 

 usual roundabout paths of the natives. 



Contrary to usual belief, most natives are very poor 

 hands at finding their way through unknown country. 

 All subsequent travel follows the first man's route. 

 Nothing is more aggravating than to follow the windings 

 and twistings of a native guide. The shortcuts are ob- 

 vious and apparently easy; yet it never occurs to any 

 one of them to try a better route. Nor does it bring 

 aught but confusion to suggest such a thing. If you 

 have a native guide you must possess your soul in 

 patience and be content. On the return journey, know- 

 ing the lay of the country, you can save your time and 



* Woman. 



