ELEPHANTS 
153 
dusk fell, we observed through the pouring rain another 
safari approaching up our valley. They presently 
encamped a mile or so below us. This signified nothing 
less than a serious crisis. After deep consultation held, 
we decided that, being ahead, we would maintain that 
position at all costs, and accordingly gave orders to 
mask tents, extinguish all fires, and to strike camp at 
3 a.m. next morning. 
PUFF-ADDER. 
Length 4 ft. ; thickset and sluggish, with flat head like a toad ; but its 
bite is deadly. 
February 23.—This eventful day began with a two- 
hours’ scramble in black darkness through pathless forest 
and jungle, and shortly after dawn we struck the spoor 
of a solitary buffalo bull. This being quite fresh, W- 
followed it towards the right, taking my tracker, Kenana 
(who alone knew the route to Solai), with him. The 
safari being on lower ground to the left, I rode on alone 
with my two gun-bearers, Mabruki and Salim, and a 
syce. Suddenly there recommenced that terrible 
tropical downpour, driving in our faces on the bleakest 
and most bitter gale I ever remember in Africa. It was 
worthy of the Hardanger Yidden at its. worst, and in 
half-an-hour I was seized with a fresh attack of fever. 
