336 IN THE GRIP OF THE NYIKA CHAP. 



It was extremely hot during the latter part of the 

 march, and but for the fact that the porters were 

 cheered at the prospect of reaching the plentiful 

 waters of the river some time in the afternoon, there 

 would have been much discontent and falling out by 

 the way. The moment the feathery tops of the 

 palm trees that grow here and there along the river 

 were seen, a great shout of joy ran along the line, 

 and every man seemed to shake his fatigue from 

 him as he stepped briskly onward. My heart was 

 often moved with pity for the poor fellows, when 

 I watched them drearily drag one weary foot after 

 another on these hot and exhausting marches, 

 earning a load of some sixty pounds in weight on 

 their heads day after day. I was very glad for their 

 sakes that the worst part of the journey was now 

 over, and we were again entering a well- watered 

 country, where shorter marches could be made. 



On reaching the river the men threw down their 

 loads, and rushed eagerly into the cool, flowing stream, 

 to drink their fill of the sweet water. 



After an hour's rest I began to look for a ford, for 

 I wished to cross and camp on the south bank as 

 quickly as possible, in case a flood should come and 

 detain me on the wrong side. 



We now required the camels no longer, so, to 

 reward the drivers, I had a large pot of coffee 

 made for them, which they thoroughly enjoyed. 



