KHAMTI TO INDIA 



Before turning in, all hands came for medical treatment, and 

 I allayed their complaints as far as possible with kola, quinine, or 

 opium pills. But it was high time to arrive somewhere ; the store 

 of remedies was well-nigh exhausted. 



When we again set forward, heavy work fell on the column in 

 hacking a way through the bamboos and creepers. One advantage 

 in this slow progress was that it allowed the more sickly to get 

 up with the main body by nightfall. On the way we started some 

 hornbills that, with enormous beaks and resounding wings, flew 

 over our heads with much clangour. In two spots we saw deserted 

 huts ; among the wayfarers who traverse these solitary chains many 

 never complete their journey, victims to tigers or starvation. The 

 first pioneers who penetrated these fastnesses must, I imagines- 

 have done so by degrees, each improving a little on his pre- 

 decessor. 



4th (December). — Roux was so ill as to be unable to move, 

 and Briffaud was not much better. As the situation grew graver, 

 I decided to send on Seran-Seli with a flying column of a few 

 reliable men, and the less robust, the guide, and the Kioutses. 

 We divided the food so as to give ten days' rice at three bowls 

 per diem, and I made up a few papers of kola and quinine for them. 

 His detachment could move fairly, with the exception of one old 

 Christian, whose case caused us anxiety. His heart was weak ; 

 and it was a painful sight to see him tottering on with fi.xed eyes 

 and swollen limbs ; he was too feeble any longer to bear a burden. 

 If only we o-ot him to a village, we miyht save him vet. The 

 main body, consisting of the stronger men, our boys, Joseph, my 

 sick comrades, and myself, must remain where we were for a day. 

 That was the longest we could rest with safety. My further plans 

 were that if on the morrow my two companions were no better, 



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