XXXIV 

 TO THE KEDONG 



F>R four hours we descended the valley through 

 high thorn scrub, or the occasional grassy- 

 openings. We were now in the floor of the Rift 

 Valley, and both along the escarpments and in the 

 floor of the great blue valley itself mountains were 

 all about us. Most of the large ones were evidently 

 craters; and everywhere were smaller kopjes or 

 buttes, that in their day had also served as blow 

 holes for subterranean fires. 



At the end of this time we arrived at the place 

 where we were supposed to find the wagon. No 

 wagon was there. 



The spot was in the middle of a level plain on 

 which grew very scattered bushes, a great deal like 

 the sparser mesquite growths of Arizona. Toward 

 the Likipia Escarpment, and about halfway to its 

 base, a line of trees marked the course of the Kedong 

 River. Beyond that, fairly against the mountain, 

 we made out a settler's house. 



Leaving Billy and the safari, Cuninghame and I set 

 267 



