440 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
jugs and basins, iron bedsteads with neat brass knobs, 
sheets, towels, and looking-glass, with a Bible lying 
upon a prettily covered table, awoke both in Giraud 
and myself long dormant thoughts. Perhaps they were 
something like those of Devilshoof, in the Opera of The 
Bohemian Girl , who lights his pipe with leaves of books 
and starts aghast when he looks in the truthful mirror 
which reflects “ himself as others see him,” an uncouth 
weather-stained individual with dishevelled hair, who 
tries the springs of cushioned mattresses for their virtue 
as springs, and not as downy protectors of sparsely 
Heshed bones. 
That we enjoyed the change goes without saying. 
We endeavoured to occupy as much of the commodious 
beds as we possibly could, stretching a toe to each foot- 
post, while with our hands we clasped the cold iron, 
right and left. Had our hair been cut, the touch of 
civilisation might have been complete. 
After a time Mr. Kerr and Lieutenant Giraud 
arranged to descend the Shire river in canoes, and so 
reach the Zambesi and the sea. On their way over they 
found a Portuguese force making its way up river, and 
practically carrying on a war with the natives. On their 
way down the river they had frequent adventures with 
hippos and occasional sport with elephants. 
Here is an elephant adventure of Mr. Kerr’s : — 
The wind, being shifty and light, was bad for stalking. 
We were almost blinded by the glare, but waded along 
sturdily until we were close up to the herd. The grass 
was so high at this point that, for the matter of outlook, 
we might as well have been in thick bush. 
However, I could just discern the tops of the heads 
of the immense beasts, and, listening, I could hear the 
tramp of their huge feet clipping the grass like a sickle. 
Now and again a cough, or mayhap a low bugle note, 
would come from some tough old trumpet as the herd 
swept irresistibly and majestically along. Those were 
exciting moments. The keenest eye and steadiest 
nerves were necessary. 
Beckoning to Fred—who did not seem to relish the 
O 
