114 
ON SAFAKI 
access. I cannot of my own experience assert that 
such is the case. Indeed, I have never been able to 
recognise that mere heat, however great, had any 
appreciable effect on these creatures of the torrid 
zone, or caused the least relaxation of their wondrous 
watchfulness. 
However that may be, at least to the hunter, the 
difference between the two periods is enormous. The 
cool breeze that rejoiced the dawn has given place to 
the fiery furnace of a vertical sun. The very earth feels 
molten; dust chokes the prostrate stalker and per¬ 
spiration blinds. The reflected heat from below and 
direct rays from above combine to render sunstroke 
(followed by fever) quite a possible item among the 
day’s results. 
No, be astir with the dawn, spend the matutinal 
hours abroad, but return by eleven to rest in your tent or 
beneath those shade-giving mimosas that Nature has 
provided for the purpose. Thus is conserved the North- 
born vigour; climatic risks are avoided; and then, to¬ 
wards four o’clock, when rays decline from the perpen¬ 
dicular, you can put in two or three hours’ good work 
in comparative comfort. 
Darkness has settled down. A mile or so ahead you 
catch the glint of the camp-fires. Not as in Norway 
will Lars and Ivar now have to create a blaze from scant 
material, and that often wet. Here all is ready to hand. 
Your tent-boys, Enoch and Shadrack by name, awatch 
your coming afar, ready with a “long drink” prepared. 
It is only “sparklets and lime-juice,” but delicious to 
parched throat. Enoch removes your boots and 
generally acts valet, while his mate has a bath and dry 
clothes all ready. Another “ boy ” stands by with 
sponge and towel. Luxuries, indeed, in the wilderness 
that one expects not, nor desires, at home ! Half-an- 
hour’s rest and a pipe, the day’s experiences compared, 
diaries entered up, and then dinner is announced. 
Beneath a spreading acacia stands the table, smart in 
