20S A LATE DINNER, were clouds floating about which frequently shaded the sun. The sunset was lovely ; the first fine one we had enjoyed since leaving the neighbourhood of Souakim. At the time of year in which we were travelling, clouds were rare, and the sunsets consequently lacked variety.

We reached the foot of the hill on which Lacatecourah is built, at 6.45, leaving the caravan far behind. This hill, which is some four or five hundred feet high, is covered with great granite boulders ; and the village is the largest we had seen of those belonging to the Base. We saw lights from the huts above us, and after a good deal of shouting some men came down to us. The water which supplied the village was some distance farther ; but as we had plenty coming on with the caravan, and the night was very dark, and trees thick, we decided on remaining where we were, and waiting for the camels to overtake us.

After some two or three hours, Mahoom and several of the native servants arrived, and reported the caravan as miles behind. There were some very awkward places for the camels to pass, kho7's with very steep banks to be crossed, and in one of these a camel had stuck fast for a long time, causing great delay. About 11.30 or 12, the next contingent made its appearance, consisting of George, and, most important personage of all, Ali the cpok, with a number of camels in their train.

They had with them a "guide" we had engaged on the Settite to show us the way, but he evidently knew nothing about it. We lost no time in helping Ali to light a fire, and get his cooking-pots started, and soon pitched one of the tents.

The bulk of the camels, together with Suleiman, did not make their appearance until nine o'clock the next morning, having completely lost their reckoning, as well as the apology for a path that there was ; and having wandered to the back of the