A RUSH TO THE BUSI 



This precaution is necessitated by the drying up of 

 the river Towa, which we are about to ascend. As 

 regards the natives, they trouble themselves very little 

 about the matter, as they are capable of going all 

 day without drinking ; and, moreover, the most 

 nauseous ditch does not repel them when they have 

 a mind to quench their thirst. 



This march is one of the most trying of the journey ; 

 there is a burning heat and the walls of tall yellow 

 grasses between which we march do not permit the 

 slightest breath of air to circulate. At midday we 

 halt near a hole, half full of water, in the bed of the 

 Towa. The beverage is not inviting, and smells 

 strongly of rotten leaves. This makes us regret the 

 pretty streams, so fresh and clear, which we have left 

 behind us. Near the bank I discover some old tracks 

 of elephants. The animals have quenched their thirst 

 where we breakfast. Elephants ! My dream ! When 

 will it be granted me to see and to shoot them ? 



At two o'clock we again take to our burning path, 

 which leads us to the village of Inyatimbe, thirty-five 

 kilometres distant from our last camp. To-night 

 we have the surprise of an alarm. It is about eleven 

 o'clock, and everyone is sleeping, when I am awakened 

 by a frightful disturbance. The negroes shout, the 

 dogs bark, I jump out of bed, my 12-bore in my hand, 

 supposing an attack of lions. 



At the same instant resounded a shot from the 

 Martini rifle carried by my tracker Godonga. Following 



(45) 



