LOST IN THE FOREST. 251 



to follow me with their loads, I accepted the chief's 

 invitation. On entering the village he asked me if I 

 would like a hut, but I told him I preferred sleeping 

 out ; and selecting a large tree in the midst of the vil- 

 lage, asked permission to arrange my camp there ; 

 which request being granted, Chinsoro was ordered to 

 arrange everything as usual. 



As we had no meat, I asked the chief to let me 

 have a couple of men to go in quest of sport, as my 

 own men were tired after the march, and was at 

 once provided with two sharp-looking youths, who 

 said we should probably see some buffalo. Just as we 

 were starting, having partaken of some refreshments. 

 Marimba came with a present of four fowls, some 

 flour, and a large pot of pombe, which was all very ac- 

 ceptable ; and Chinsoro was told to cook two fowls 

 for dinner, which was ordered for eight o'clock sharp. 



After a lono^ walk throuo;h the same hillv, barren, 

 and stony country which surrounded the cotton planta- 

 tions, during which time we did not see even a sign 

 of game, I observed by my guide's behaviour that we 

 had lost our Avay ; and as I had neglected to look at 

 my compass when leaving the village, I had not the 

 remotest idea which way to turn. Having wandered 

 about for hours, and seeing no signs of getting out of 

 the forest, I determined to get to the top of one of the 

 highest hills I could see, and sit there and listen for 

 sounds of the human race. It was now dark, ren- 

 dered doubly so by the large forest trees around and 

 above us. At last I reached an elevated spot, sat 

 down, and lighted a pipe. Not a sound was to be 

 heard, and things began to look bad. I was both 



