272 EN ROUTE FOR MATITI. 



the Makurumadsee about 10 a.m., after a sharp walk. 

 As the sun was now becoming powerful, I halted 

 under some large trees by that river, and as we all 

 set to work to cook breakfast, coffee was soon served 

 out all round. 



While Chinsoro was busy at the fire I had a de- 

 lightful bathe in the river, having found a deep hole, 

 some two hundred yards above its confluence with the 

 Shire ; this river, like the Lesungue, being free from 

 alligators at this season. I almost at first feared a 

 repetition of what I had suffered at Marimba, but as 

 I looked on the beautiful water, shaded as it was by 

 large trees, I could not resist the temptation. How- 

 ever, I did not remain long in, and was much the 

 better for it. 



After breakfasting we sat for about an hour before 

 starting. It was exactly one o'clock when we crossed 

 the Makurumadsee en route for Matiti. I had taken 

 off my boots to keep them dry, and as the stones were 

 very smooth there was less danger of slipping as I 

 stepped from one to the other. But this game did 

 not last long, for I soon found these stones far too 

 hot for my thin-skinned feet, and had nothing for it 

 but to sit on one — a feat I found some difficulty in 

 accomplishing — put on my boots, and walk through 

 the water. As I descended the hills over Matiti the 

 atmosphere became clouded, and one or two heavy 

 showers fell. Distant thunder was often heard. 



I arrived at Mr. Young's camp at 5.30. p.m., and 

 found all well, save John Brown (one of the Krumen 

 who it will be remembered was left behind there), 

 who was half mad, supposed to be the effect of 



