CHAP. VI RETURN TO MOMBASA 137 



sights of this kind ; donkeys with horrible, reeking sores, 

 penetrating to the backbone and even full of maggots, still 

 made to carry loads. 



Fortunately I was in Mombasa just during the wettest part 

 of the rainy season, so that I avoided the inconvenience of 

 travelling during its continuance. My preparations were finally 

 completed on 1 3th May ; but, just as I was starting off the 

 caravan on the morning of the i 4th, it came on to rain heavily, 

 and the loads had to be brought in again and our departure 

 put off. At daybreak the next morning (about 5.30 of the 

 15 th), before it was fully light, there was a severe shock of 

 earthquake, followed by several slighter ones. I ran out into 

 the street and saw my neighbours opposite and next door — 

 missionaries with their wives — just coming out of their doors. 

 It was a curious and rather amusing situation, meeting thus in 

 deshabille in the street at so early an hour, and somewhat 

 embarrassing to a shy man, as the sensation had been too 

 impressive and suggestive of catastrophe to allow of even ladies 

 waiting for the exigencies of the toilet. Fortunately no serious 

 damage was done, though many walls were cracked. Rain 

 came on again and prevented my starting yet another day ; 

 but on the i6th we got off in good time. 



