230 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



the event. Mama became quite keen at the work, and when 

 sometimes a bird fell wounded into the thicket his sharp eye 

 was very quick at spotting it ; then he dashed off like a 

 retriever to the place where it fell, and it was a great relief, 

 when in answer to my anxious call, " Va gudu'' ("Has it 

 run "), came back the welcome, " Bahu " (" No "). 



There was a fine view from the top of the hills ; 

 northward, as far as the horizon, rolled a sea of tall grass 

 waving dark and light like the changeful ocean swept by the 

 wind : here and there rose a little island-hill, with dark green 

 foliage deepening the lines of its clefts and ravines. Looking 

 southward across the broad white band of the river the scene 

 changes ; everywhere there is forest and grass -land right 

 away to the dark line of wooded hills that form the watershed 

 of the Congo affluents. 



The last day's ramble is deeply impressed on my mind. 

 The morning was very hot and, as I came out of the stuffy 

 thickets on to the open hillside, I remember the grateful 

 sensation of the cool breeze in my face. My work for the 

 morning was finished, and, as was my wont, I quickened pace 

 for the return journey to camp. But more haste less speed ! 

 As I neared the foot of the hill I slipped upon a loose stone 

 and was thrown several feet to the ground, striking my head 

 heavily on a rock as I fell. I remembered no more. 



On coming to I was conscious of the burning sun on my 

 face, but when I opened my eyes all things were dark as 

 though seen reflected in a black glass. Then I saw Mama 

 coming down the hill, bringing water in a pannikin that he 

 had made out of leaves. I thought he had come to call me 

 and asked what time it was ; then I put my hand to the back 



