208 LODGES IN THE WILDERNESS 



Our course lay along the western side of 

 the long, diminishing spur which almost con- 

 nects the T'Oums range with the river, its 

 compass-bearing being north-east by north. 

 Fauna, the elder of the two ladies, was ordered 

 to devote her attention to collecting zoological 

 specimens. She was given a strong metal 

 receptacle half filled with methylated spirits 

 in which corrosive sublimate had been dis- 

 solved. In this she had to souse her trove of 

 lizards, scorpions, centipedes and such snakes 

 as were not too large. She also carried a 

 cyanide bottle in which to immolate beetles 

 and other insects. Flora was entrusted with 

 a portfolio and directed to gather botanical 

 specimens. She wandered far afield, gleaning 

 the arid pastures. Fauna begged hard for 

 permission to accompany her, but this I 

 sternly refused. I was positive that in spite 

 of my solemn warnings on the subject as 

 soon as these women had got out of sight they 

 would have drunk the poisoned spirit. If this 

 had happened, the Raad might have hanged 

 me. I realised what a dangerous precedent I 

 had established in tacitly approving of the 

 punishment inflicted on Lothario. Whilst 

 Fauna carried that tank, she should not stir 

 from my side. 



