802 
TEAVELS m CENTEAL AFEICA. 
midst of a low range were likely to be our beacons for some time ; 
tliey were situated east of our line of march. 
At noon encamped at the side of a brook near the village of 
Neala_, in the Mari district. The water of the rivulet being clear 
and refreshings we left not this charming retreat until 3.30 p.m. 
The route was through country diversified with wood^ villageSs and 
stubble-fields from which the harvest had been gleaned. A short 
halt in the midst of granite rocks^ for all to drink of the cool 
water contained in its recesses. Proceeded a short distances when 
another pretty stream flowing north-east into the BibiOs called the 
Gayers was but glanced at — no halt allowed ; rising ground again 
encountereds and finally we encamped in the village of Maris the 
chief of the districts named Wajas giving us welcome. 
February 14//i. — At 6.30 a.m. we starteds passing through open 
bush and country undulatings lovely convolvuli many-coloured and 
in full flowers and odorous shrubs in bloom. 
After marching an hour and a halfs we breakfasted on the east 
bank of a brook flowing into the Bibio ; this tributary was called 
Bidori. Some gorgeous butterflieSs new to uSs were here netted. 
A little touching scene was here enacted. The young girl who 
cared not to be married to the man with whom she had liveds came 
to us accompanied by him. In her arms she carried an infant 
son — his child. She saids I am near my village ; living there 
are my husband and first-born childs from whom I was carried 
away. I wish to return to them, but my heart is torn : this little 
one clings to my breast for its food^ how can I leave him ? — but he 
belongs to Abdallah. Deeply moved,, I said to Abdallah^ Let 
her go,, with the little one.'’^ Kissing his child, he assented, and 
the woman, whose tears of gratitude rained down her cheeks. 
