MY SECOND VOYAGE ON THE LAKE 51 



their forebodings would return. It was then that they re- 

 quired very careful handling. The slightest sign of hesitation 

 on one's own part would have started a mutiny. But it is 



WADINQ THBOUGH THE MUD IN SEARCH OF WATER 



by showing kindness and consideration at other times, that 

 one gets the full effect out of firmness on critical occasions. 

 When travelling in Africa, the comforts of the native 

 should be studied as much as those of white troops. Unfor- 

 tunately, there have been only too many examples of white 

 men regarding the natives as beasts of burden, only fit to be 

 driven. I made it a rule when trekking or tra. veiling in the 

 boats, to start, if possible, never later than half-past six in 

 the morning, so as to break the back of the journey before 

 the sun grew hot and give time for a mid-day halt of an hour. 

 In this way we were able to finish the day's journey by half- 

 past three, which gave the " boys " time to pitch the camp 



