i6 4 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA CHAP, xm 



I would give him "baksheesh," a word of which the 

 Masai have quickly learned the meaning, as they 

 are great beggars. I readily promised this if he 

 would show me the lions, so off we all started, 

 and in a very short time they pointed out the bush 

 from which the lion had bounded and the three 

 "forms" of the lionesses in the grass. I scanned 

 the surrounding country with my glasses in all 

 directions, but there was no sign of a lion anywhere. 

 We hunted the neighbourhood thoroughly, and 

 I galloped here, there and everywhere, but had 

 no luck, so I returned to camp, feeling very much 

 disappointed. 



Soon after I got back, however, I was delighted 

 to see my Headman Munyakai approaching camp 

 from Baringo, bringing 50 donkeys with him. He 

 had had considerable difficulty in getting them, but 

 eventually, like the excellent fellow he was, succeeded 

 with the help of the official in charge at Baringo in 

 procuring the required number. As each of these 

 donkeys would be able to carry two loads of 60 Ibs., 

 I was now freed from all anxiety as to how I 

 should carry sufficient food with me for my men 

 during the journey through the barren nyika. 



