ELEPHANTS 



153 



dusk fell, we observed tlirough the pouring rain another 

 safari approaching up our valley. They presently 

 encamped a mile or so below us. This signifiecl nothing 

 less than a serious crisis. After deep consultation held, 

 we decided that, being ahead, we would maintain that 

 position at all costs, and accordingly gave orders to 

 mask tents, extinguish all fires, and to strike camp at 

 3 a.m. next mornino-. 



PUFF-ADDER. 



Length 4 ft. ; thickset and shiggish, with flat head like a toad ; but its 



bite is deadly. 



February 23. — This eventful day began with a two- 

 hours' scramble in black darkness through pathless forest 

 and jungle, and shortly after dawn we struck the spoor 



of a solitary buffalo bull. This being quite fresh, W 



followed it towards the right, taking my tracker, Kenana 

 (who alone knew the route to Solai), with him. The 

 safari being on lower ground to the left, I rode on alone 

 with my two gun-bearers, Mabruki and Salim, and a 

 syce. Suddenly there recommenced that terrible 

 tropical down^DOur, driving in our faces on the bleakest 

 and most bitter gale I ever remember in Africa. It was 

 worthy of the Hardanger Vidden at its worst, and in 

 half-an-hour I was seized with a fresh attack of fever. 



