CHAPTER VIII.

DEATH OF ANSON.

In the shadow of the tamarinds — Two lions in flight — lUiffaloes and rhinoceroses — Wild oxen — Fever — Anson's death — Arrival of Gordon.

On July lOtli I left the neighbourliood of Meslira ; the Sapliia had hardly fuel enough to reach a large forest. The next day the vessel stopped, and the men were divided into two companies, one of which had to work under Anson's supervision and the other under mine.

I ordered breakfast to be served in the forest, and although even there the heat was excessive, we were better under the large tamarind trees than beneath the awning of the Sa'pliia. At noon, having allowed the men two hours of repose, while I was sharing my frugal lunch with Anson, we suddenly heard a rustling noise, as of a number of large monkeys leaping from one bough to another. I had not paid much attention to it when Anson touched me and pointed to a spot in the wood. A lion with a splendid mane, followed by a lioness, was not more than sixty steps distant from us, and was stealing quietly along ; but when the animals saw they were noticed they quickened their pace and rushed away just like cats.

The temptation was indeed too strong and I set off in pursuit of them. Anson insisted on coming with me, and I consented unwillingly after much entreaty.

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