V 



TRAVELS IN EASTERN AFRICA 



i8i 



I told them that the fame of their good actions and 

 sterling worth had reached us in far-distant Europe, 

 and that it was my hope that throughout my stay 

 among them they would treat me in such a manner 

 that I should be able to take to the white people whom 

 I represented a favourable account of them; whereupon, 

 trade would be opened with them, and they would grow 

 opulent, and amass great flocks and herds. They 

 listened to my words with evident pleasure, and seemed 

 only too anxious to assist me on my way; but they 

 did not appear overjoyed at the news that I intended 

 to remain a few days in their country. 



This, however, was absolutely necessary. Even the 

 short distance we had marched this day had been most 

 painful to the wounded, and they had continually cried 

 to me in a most pitiable manner on the march, either 

 to stop, or go on and leave them behind. Either course 

 was not to be considered : I could not camp in the 

 neighbourhood of the Wamsara, and I knew that, as 

 soon as I reached the heart of the Embe country, I 

 should be forced to remain until my wounded could 

 recover strength. 



By ten o'clock Lieutenant von Hohnel had caught 

 up with the caravan, and we again set out. From 

 this point the road was downhill. We had crossed 

 the saddle of the range, and had an easy descent to 

 the Mackenzie River, where we expected to find our 

 old camp. At noon I crossed a fair-sized stream, and 

 halted to give the men and cattle time to drink, as 

 Motio assured me it would be four hours before we 

 reached other water. This done, we again took up 

 the march, which lay across what might almost be 



