298 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA CHAP. 



be able to see far enough to the north to take 

 bearings of such hills and landmarks as I con- 

 sidered suitable to complete the natural eastern 

 boundary to the Reserve. 



It had taken us two months to reach Lersamis, 

 and even if we were to set out at once, and travel 

 by the shortest and most direct route, we could 

 not reach Nairobi in less than a month. The 

 three or four extra days required to go to and 

 return from Marsabit could matter very little to 

 Mrs. B., while it would make all the difference 

 to the success of my expedition. 



After full consideration, therefore, I decided 

 that the proper course to adopt was to go on to 

 Marsabit, and complete the work which I had 

 been sent out to do. 



With this resolve in my mind, I made my way 

 down from the little rocky hillock where the inter- 

 ment had taken place, with the intention of going 

 to Mrs. B. to offer her what solace I could in her 

 sore distress, as of course she was utterly prostrated 

 by the terrible tragedy. 



It was not long before I was rudely shaken out of 

 my gloomy thoughts, for, on my arrival in camp, I 

 was met by Asa Ram who brought me the startling 

 news that the whole safari, led by a few scoundrels, 

 had mutinied, and more serious still that they 

 had, during my absence, seized all the arms and 



