188 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
broken a leg, and therefore was doomed to be killed, as I knew that 
many would rejoice to fill their hungry stomachs. To allow for 
the roasting of the meat, cut in small pieces, on embers, no start 
was to be made until two a.m. The rest proved refreshing to all, 
and at the hour appointed, gong sounding, loads were made light 
of, and a procession of beef-eaters was quickly formed. Passed 
through a wood — mud and water the pathway; in half an hour 
came on moorland, covered with short grass. Passed a deserted 
cattle-kraal. At half-past three p.m. arrived at a village evidently 
but recently deserted, as the fires were smouldering. Negroes in 
the distance : sent a negro who accompanied us, and who acted as 
interpreter, to parley with them, and to explain that the intentions 
of our party were peaceful, and that they might have confidence in 
us. We proceeded a little way, and halted on the borders of a vast 
lagoon, which looked like meadow-land, so covered was it with 
reeds of a light green colour. The negro messenger returned 
somewhat disconcerted, he having been robbed of his lance and 
necklace for bringing us here. 
