GEBEL DOLEB. 221 Seriba Doleb. At first we got on well enough, but the night was so dark that our caravan became disorganised, and each man stumbled along as best he could : it ended in our losing the way, and a most uncomfortable two hours was spent in wandering in all directions to find it again. Kiding was impossible ; after my donkey had fallen three times I gave it iTp. Twice we found ourselves in a deep swamp, and were almost stuck fast in the mud ; and at last, after leading us hither and thither with no success, our guide fairly owned himself at fault, and so we fired our guns as a signal to those in advance to show us the way, and were quickly answered ; then a huge fire was lit to make the direction we should take still plainer, and soon two men came with torches to light up the road. We were very glad when they appeared, but they were so careless with the light that the grass was fired in all directions, and though it was fine as a spectacle, it was with great difficulty that we dodged the flames, and at last arrived at the station. Then we witnessed one of the grandest sights I have ever seen. The fire swept on and on, enveloping the huts in flames, devouring the grass, climbing the tall trees, and increasing in fury and intensity as it proceeded, bringing swift destruction to all in its path, till the whole country for miles round was in a blaze, and the sky was lit up by the lurid glare. It Avas only by the greatest exertions and a fortunate change of