CHAPTER XXII 



THE PASSAGE OF LAKE CHAD 



It was with great joy that I looked on the open water once 

 more. Not only because Fortune had gone out of her way 

 to bring me the oxen, but also there was the satisfaction of 

 realising I had quickly taken advantage of her aid and done 

 a good stroke of business, for in twenty-four hours all our 

 baggage was up at the new point of departure with the boat- 

 sections only twelve miles behind. But perhaps more sweet 

 than all was the consciousness that I had been revenged on 

 my old enemy, the Lowan. We did not take long to reheve 

 the oxen of their burdens. The drivers were well pleased 

 with their payment in cloth, and after hand-shakes all round, 

 returned to Kaddai to get their potash. Soon afterwards 

 the Budumas of the Baga came to my tent with fish, but in 

 spite of my assurances of goodwill they disappeared the next 

 night with all their nets and canoes. 



It was now May 1, and I had hopes that three more weeks 

 would see me ready to make my fourth attempt to gain the 

 Shari mouth. There was an element of desperation in 

 this my last venture, for I knew that failure meant the 

 abandonment of the boats. But — wonderful to tell ! — For- 

 tune again came to my aid, bringing five of my former carriers, 

 who tramped all the way, pack on back, from Kukawa, for 

 they had heard I was in difficulties and had come to help 



