SEAECH FOR FALLS ON MAO KABI 71 



lessened, and its radiant beams lit up and flushed the 

 dying leaves with the glowing tints of autumn. 



We sought a way down the cliff. As we climbed a 

 strong smell of baboon betrayed their lair, and two big 

 snakes glided away on our approach. Whether it were 

 the sheer descent, with nothing between us and the 

 seething torrent below, or the anger of the Djinn of the 

 Falls that he feared, Kukaua lifted up his voice and 

 wailed in very terror. The reverberation between 

 those mighty walls of rock was tremendous, but we 

 held on till we reached the depths, and presently crept 

 out upon a ledge of rock and sheltered behind a huge 

 boulder whence we could look up. 



With a velocity gained from the succession of rapids 

 above, large volumes of water leapt into the dark pool 

 below. A mass of rock jutted out from the face of the 

 cliff down which it swept, and against it the torrent 

 lashed itself into greater fury. Spray rose in drenching 

 clouds, and from above a beam of sunshine pierced the 

 glistening drops, and through them shone a rainbow- 

 messenger of peace in that stormy strife of waters. 

 Full of the wonder of the scene and the maei'nitude of 

 its grandeur we walked back to camp, passing on our 

 way the St Andrew's Cross. One regret, however, 

 there was to mar our contentment : it was that Mrs 

 Talbot and M. Bertaut had not been there to share our 

 final success. 



M. Bertaut has kindly expressed his wish to name 

 the Falls after me — les chutes MacLeod — and as Com- 

 mandant Maillard, then acting for the military 

 territory of Chad, confirmed his suggestion, I can 

 only say how greatly I appreciate the honour they 

 have done me. 



