CHAPTER XXV. 



MIGRATION. 

 A Free Life Abdim's Stork A Yarn. 



THAT evening we reached a vley, welcome from the 

 large quantity of pure, clear water it possessed. The 

 reason of this, doubtless, was that it was situated 

 upon a stone bed, with rock surroundings entirely 

 free from sand or alluvial deposit. But for this 

 natural protection, combined with the precipitousness 

 of its banks, it must have been fouled by the numerous 

 wild animals that frequented the locality. If any of 

 the neighbouring bok had been induced to risk their 

 safety by descending this steep enclosure, it is more 

 than doubtful whether they would ever have been able 

 to regain the top of the banks, so the reader will 

 perceive that wild animals have often more judgment 

 than is accredited to them. On the other hand, the 

 very fact of the water being so far beneath the level 



