192 THE MAN-EATERS OF TSAVO CHAP. 
there can be no danger of any of these species 
becoming extinct. 
While crossing this dry expanse, the greatest 
difficulty I had to contend with was the provision 
of sufficient water for the three thousand workmen 
WATERBUCK. 
employed about railhead, for not a drop could be 
obtained on the way, nor could we hope for any 
until we had got to the other side of the plain and 
had reached the Athi River, which could not be 
accomplished under a couple of months. As we 
progressed onwards into the waterless belt, this 
became a very serious matter indeed, as any break- 
