THE MESSENGER'S RETURN 



he began laying out rupees on the ground, taking them 

 from some mysterious portion of his garments, at the 

 same time confessing that he had not lost my rupees, 

 but had actually used them as capital wherewith to 

 win another six, but did not like to tell me for fear 

 I should whip him for not having been to Naivasha. 



On being questioned about this remarkable 

 statement, he owned up that he thought that I should 

 not have the heart to thrash him for having had the 

 misfortune to lose my money, but would do so for 

 disobedience, as I was new to the country ! And this 

 from one who was usually an excellent and faithful 

 servant, though, as I said before, a most colossal liar. 



Early one morning Aarup, a native of Denmark, 

 and also what is generally called " a regular character," 

 came for us in his sailing boat to take me for a cruise 

 round the lake. With him were also a Mr. and 

 Mrs. Goby, who afterwards proved most kind and 

 hospitable friends. 



We had a glorious day, with just enough breeze 

 to keep the boat going about six knots. To get into 

 the shade during the noonday heat, where we were 

 going to have lunch, we put in at one of the smaller 

 islands, situated at the eastern end of the lake. It 

 was here that I discovered the plentiful supply of 

 leeches whilst wading ashore for lunch. 



After the meal we pushed off again, and ran over 

 to a small island about fifty yards long and twenty 



73 



