SIGNS OF ELEPHANTS. 207 " We turned our backs on the river with many regrets ; for, although much disappointed at being baffled in our attempt to explore farther up the river, we had, nevertheless, greatlyenjoyed our stay on its banks, and had obtained better sport than we had expected in the Hamran country.

I trust some day we shall make a r.egular expedition into Abyssinia, from Massawa, having first obtained the necessary letters from King John, authorising us to do so, and that then we shall be able to shoot along the Settite farther up the river, and perhaps travel along its banks as far as we now are on Khor Meheteb."

It was dark before Colvin and I joined the others in our new camp, and we found them just sitting down to dinner.

We had now to go through much the same kind of journey, to get back to Haikota, that we had performed to reach the Settite ; but we were determined to pass through the Base village of Lacatecourah on our return. Our Arabs declared we should get there by nightfall ; but knowing by constant experience how unreliable they were in all their statements, we insisted on having the barrels and water-skins filled up before making a start.

Although we rose at daybreak, it was 9.30 before the caravan was under way. The "road" was fairly good, and we had not to make our way through half as thick woods as those we had to force the camels through in going to the Settite ; there was a slightly defined footpath most if not all the way, and there was really no excuse for the camel-drivers to lose themselves.

In Khor Meheteb we found that elephants had drunk there three days before our arrival ; it seemed as though we were never destined to have an opportunity of shooting any. The country was, of course, most monotonous ; but we were fortunate in having a very agreeable day for travelling, as there