CH. v.] FUNERAL DIRGE. 117 



After proceeding some miles in the new direction, we found 

 some very bad swampy ground before us. It was covered 

 with holes brim full of water ; and we at length arrived, 

 where long reeds grew in extensive patches. The inequali- 

 ties of the surface owing to these holes, required the nicest 

 care in conducting the carts between them, but after frequent 

 halts, I was glad to back out of this swamp, and only 

 regained the firm ground by considerable turnings and wind- 

 ings. We were not far probably from the Nammoy, in that 

 reedy region, but it might have been very extensive. On 

 regaining its eastern skirts, I resumed the course pursued in 

 the morning, and passed through a tract, where the grass 

 and trees were, to a considerable extent, on fire. At length, 

 however, we recognised the park-like scenery, which we had 

 formerly crossed ; and, with no small pleasure, again we fell 

 in with our former track, at a distance of about three miles 

 short of our old camp at Rodrigo Ponds. While I stood 

 near this spot, awaiting the arrival of the party, which was 

 still at some distance, I overheard a female singing. The 

 notes were pleasing, and very different from the monotonous 

 strains of the'natives in general. Just then, I had been ad- 

 miring the calm repose of the surrounding landscape, gilded 

 by the beams of a splendid setting sun, and anticipating a 

 quiet night for the party. The soft sounds, so expressive of 

 tranquillity and peace, were in perfect unison with the scene 

 around. Nothing could have been more romantic, neverthe- 

 less I could most willingly have dispensed with the accom- 

 paniment at that time, so associated were all our ideas of the 

 natives, with murder and pillage. When my men came up, 

 I directed them to give a " hurra," in hopes that it would 

 put the party, whoever they might be, to flight. Yet, after 

 a cheer about as rough as English throats could well utter, 

 the sweet strain, to my surprise, continued, 



" And bade the lovely scenes at distance hail." 



But this was not the song of " hope," but of despair, at 



