2i40 ROUTE TO ARKEKO. 
over a plain of considerable extent to the eastward. With some 
difficulty we ascertained our right track, in which w^e proceeded 
in an easterly direction. A hill to the right was pointed out to 
us as Asalitha, the residence of one of the chiefs of the Hazorta; 
beyond are the hills inhabited by the Riissimous, who are said to 
have been beaten and plundered by the chief Shum Waldo. 
" After travelling for a few miles over a barren and wild coun- 
try, thick set with acacia, we passed the Shiho encampment where 
we before slept, and thence went on to Weah. We found no stream 
here, but plenty of water in the hollows under the rocks. We did 
not pitch our tent, intending to go on in the middle of the night. 
Here we saw several hyaenas and jackals, and were so much in- 
commoded by musketoes and ants, that it was impossible to sleep. 
Our bearers also seemed little inclined to repose, but amused them- 
selves in dancing, singing, and performing their war antics till nearly 
eleven o'clock. Soon afterwards they proposed, as it was a light 
night, to proceed on our journey, for the purpose of avoiding the 
hjeat of the ensuing day, there being no water between this place 
and the vicinity of Arkeko. We were glad to comply with this pro- 
posal, and accordingly mounted our mules, and rode on to a spot 
near Shillokee, where we halted, and slept from one o'clock till a 
little past four ; we then set put for Arkeko, under no small anxiety, 
lest the report which we had heard on the road of the absence of 
the ship, should prove true ; in which case, from our former experi- 
ence of the hostile disposition of the Dola, we anticipated no small 
trouble and personal hazard. In order to keep up the spirits of our 
attendants, I had ventured to express myself perfectly certain, 
lhat the ship would make her appearance as soon as we reached 
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