GIRAFFES. 
99 
Captains Speke and Grant, the crew with some soldiers awaited 
their return. We were now in the Daenah territory. Wind against 
us ; the heat intense. Two of the soldiers ill from ague. Petherick 
not well : he is fearful that this will be a tedious and trying journey. 
At noon the bodies of several negroes were seen; they had been 
shot by abominable marauders^ and were lying on the west bank. 
Passed the old village of Mahommed Cheir. The tookuls were 
beautifully situated beneath the shade of palm and sycamore trees; 
only a few negroes to be seen^ who fled. Towards evening made- 
fast to the west bank,, to take in the large mainsail : the north 
winds have ceased,, and we shall have no more help from that 
quarter. Here we must remain till to-morrow. 
Sunday, Qth . — A dull^ cloudy day. At ten a.m. the wind rose 
and a fearful hurricane ensued ; not able to leave the moorings. 
The storm lasted three hourS;, and then the wind at intervals blew 
in brief gusts. 
April 7th ,— very early^ towing. An hour brought us to a 
village on the west bank. The negroes,, alarmed,, had gathered the 
cattle together^ and placed them^ with their women and children^ 
behind a stockade. The men in advance were behind another ; they 
were armed with clubs and lances. At eleven a.m. found eight 
dead negroes,, all shot. Towed all day^ and when the sun was 
down the mosquitoes came in great force. We were now in the 
region of these indescribable tormentors. 
April 8th.-— On deck at dawn^ the air cold and damp. The dew 
is heavy night and morning. A herd of giraffes in sight — they 
bound off with a gait like a rocking-horse. The crew towed with 
right good-will. At noon the sun was burning, but still on the crew 
7 — 2 
