86 SPORT IN ASIA AND AFRICA 



elephant bush, the only paths in which were the 

 tracks made by animals ; and, as many of the 

 tracks had no exit, we were constantly obliged 

 to retrace our steps and try some other line. 

 The mule also had to be flogged over fallen trees 

 and other obstacles. It was hard work, and when 

 we emerged into the open I felt somewhat 

 exhausted. The plain of the Rift Valley was, 

 however, in sight, and after a rest I got up and 

 continued the journey. 



As we entered the plain we saw our porters 

 descending the steep slope into the valley by 

 another track, we having overtaken and passed 

 them on the road. The headman of the Kikuyu 

 shook hands with me warmly, and I was so glad to 

 see them that I found no great fault either with 

 them or my servants for their stupidity in running 

 away. After a biscuit and a glass of port wine, 

 I continued the march to Nakuro. While I was 

 making for the railway station I met a gentleman 

 and lady very smartly dressed, and the gentleman 

 came and spoke to me, causing me considerable 

 embarrassment. Unwashed and unshaven as I 

 was, I must have presented a most disreputable 

 appearance. Even the Swahih Johnny, though 

 he had fared better than I had, both in the matter 

 of food and sleep, showed most evident traces of 

 the experience. I explained, however, what had 

 happened, and kept out of the lady's way. At 

 Nakuro I had a meal, but did not eat appreciably 

 more than usual, and the adventure had no ill 

 effect upon me. 



I got up the next morning at 4 a.m. to meet 

 the train by which Bird was expected to arrive 



