72 SPORT AND TRAVEL PAPERS 



which is nonsense ; that if attacked here in the hollow we should 

 have no chance which is true ; that we ought to move a little 

 higher up the river, &c., &c. By a lucky stroke of fortune, a 

 man came in to-day from the sheikh, a man who has often heen 

 into the Demhela country, the same individual who afterwards 

 was taken out of our camp hy a lion. He also says that the 

 village is only six hours off. Have arranged with him to follow 

 G. at once, to bring him hack if possible ; if that be impractic- 

 able, to find out quickly what has become of him and how we 

 can help him. I am getting very anxious. The hunters have 

 succeeded in frightening all the others, and the interpreter is 

 also keen for a move ; still I intend to wait another day here. 

 Had a hunt after some elephants, but they got a long way ahead 

 into an unrideable country. I fully expect the men to bolt 

 to-night, but keep a sharp look-out on their horses, of which only 

 two at a time are allowed to go to the well. It is a most dis- 

 agreeable state of things altogether, especially as G. and I are 

 tied to time. 



" Feb. 3rd No G. I almost fear that the hunters are right, 

 and that he is a prisoner; if the village is only half a day's 

 march off, he ought to have been back long ago. Posted a look- 

 out on the top of the bank, for this is a grand place for a surprise. 

 The envoy having gone, I finally made up my mind as probably 

 best for all to shift the camp three miles down the river, and to 

 await events there. We march at 10 to-night. 



"Feb. th. Never had the camels been so quickly loaded, 

 nor had I seen the men in better spirits than they were last 

 night during our short march. It was very delightful in the 

 moonlight, which made everything almost as bright as day. No 

 G. or messenger again this morning. Shot two ariel, and gave 

 the men some meat, which they don't deserve ; and got some 

 sand-grouse at a well close by. 



" Feb. 5th. This morning, while eating my usual breakfast 

 of dhurra-porridge, to my great delight G. arrived with the two 

 men. The hunters jumped on to their horses and rushed towards 

 him, brandishing their spears, and altogether there was joy in 

 camp." 



He had had a very hard time ; had lost his way, the road being 

 extremely difficult and the village a long distance off, instead of 

 close by, as we had been assured. The " shouui," head-man 



