CHAP. VIII.] 
STOPPED BY TUB ASUA. 
329 
tribes, all towns being under the command of petty 
chiefs. 
The general elevation of the country was 3,966 
feet above the sea-level, 292 feet higher than 
Obbo. 
The chief of Farajoke, observing me engaged in 
taking bearings with the compass, was anxious to 
know my object, which being explained, he volun¬ 
teered all information respecting the country, and 
assured me that it would be quite impossible to cross 
the Asua during the rainy season, as it was a violent 
torrent, rushing over a rocky bed with such impe¬ 
tuosity, that no one would venture to swim it. There 
was nothing to be done at this season, and however 
trying to the patience, there was no alternative* 
Farajoke was within three days’ hard marching of 
Faloro, the station of Debono, that had always been 
my projected head-quarters; thus I was well advanced 
upon my intended route, and had the season been 
propitious, I could have proceeded with my baggage 
animals without difficulty. 
The loss of my horse “ Filffi ” was a severe blow in 
this wild region, where beasts of burthen were un¬ 
known, and I had slight hopes of his recovery, as lions 
were plentiful in the country between Obbo and 
Farajoke ; however, I offered a reward of beads and 
