HYENAS ATTACKING DONKEYS. 
185 
berating upwards of an hour_, he declined, and politely desired us 
to move on.’’ This was not possible, as the rain had commenced 
falling. Towards evening it abated, when Petherick sallied forth 
with Carlo, and, in default of other game, they bagged a couple of 
dozen doves, so we supped excellently. 
Sunday, 17 th . — A severe storm last night, and the shed in which 
we had rested, being open at the sides, afforded no protection from 
the rain. We rose, therefore, wet and uncomfortable. A sentry 
reported that during the night a hysena had sprung upon one of the 
donkeys, tearing away its cheek and eyelid and injuring the eye : 
poor beast ! it is in a sad condition. At seven a.m. all prepared to 
resume the march, when the rain came down in torrents, and we 
dismounted and returned to the miserable shed. Unless forced 
to it, these people will not travel in the rain. A cold and wretched 
day. The negroes most unfriendly (still the Kytch) , and refused 
to sell even a little cup of milk, which I much wished for. 
Our people discontented. To keep them good-tempered, one of 
the few bullocks remaining was slaughtered : this proceeding gave 
satisfaction. In the meantime we shiver in our open habitation, 
without comfort of any kind. 
August \Sth . — Last night was an uneasy one for all. Hyaenas 
prowling about : the horses, terrified, broke loose, and the confusion 
in consequence was great. The sun rose bright and clear, and at 
half-past seven a.m. we quitted the inhospitable quarters. Passed 
through cultivated .ground, the grain in grand condition. A wood 
soon entered, difficult to traverse ; shrubs, wild flowers, and butter- 
flies in profusion, and as the soil was gravel, the rain had percolated, 
and we were able to proceed on foot some distance. A halt at ten 
