Chapter V. 



ring of deep mud which turned the camp into a close prison. 

 Squatting between four boulders, hedged about by the cases 

 of rations, the kitchen implements, the fire, and the tent, he 

 had far less chance of exercise than during the polar winter 

 which he had spent in Teplitz Bay, where he was forced to 

 go half a mile to fetcli the meat of some bear hung up by 

 the sliip, or liad to Avork to disinter the cases of rations, or 

 hel|) to run after tlie dogs. 



The ilailv visits of a big leopard, whose den was situated 

 under the lieath forest in the neighbourhood of the camp, did 

 not contribute to render the sojourn at Bujongolo pleasant. 

 This leojjard was observed for the first time, on the 11th of 

 Jime, by a native, not far from the tent devouring two sheep 

 belonging to the expedition. On the following night he prowled 

 around the camp. On the evening of the 12th, the Duke, who 

 was absorbed in \\riting at the opening of his tent, saw^ him 

 only a few paces oft'. The animal fled as soon as he stood up, 

 but liis boldness gave cause to fear for the porters wdio slept 

 unprotected, or for those who went to fetcli water for the 

 camp. Tn vain were the surroundings examined and beaten ; 

 tlie animal seemed very cunninpr, and when hunted never 

 allowed himself to be seen. 



On the evening of the 18th, the weather had shown a 

 tendency to improve, but during the night grew worse again. 

 On the evening of the I4tli, however, it seemed really to clear. 

 The sky became free from clouds, the last traces of mist melted 

 away, and all the mountains came into sight covered far 

 down Avith the fresh snow which liad fallen during the last 

 days. The intol(Ta})le imprisonment was finally coming to an 

 end, and the Duke made preparations to start out on the 

 follow ing morning to explore the central group of the chain. 



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