102 TRAVELS IN AFRICA.

too great to attempt marching it in the. heat of the day, without a plentiful supply of that necessary article, we moved forward at six in the evening, having filled all our soofroos*, and marched very expeditiously in an east and by north direction, through wood, until half after ten, when we were obliged to halt, in consequence of its being very dark, and many of the animals being much fatigued and considerably in the rear. Four horses were left in a dying state, and Mr. Pilkington and four men remained with their loads, until asses could be sent to bring them up : they did not arrive at our bivouac until day-light the following morning. We lost six horses during that march, and were likely to lose more every day : our provisions, too, were becoming scarce; but the prospect of being able to replenish all our wants in Bondoo, did not allow things to appear as bad as they really were.

We reached Sabee at seven on the morning of the 14th, and took up our position on an elevated spot to the NE. and distant about half a quarter of a mile from the town, which is a very large one, walled, and situated in an extensive plain, gently rising to the ese., in which direction it is bounded by mountains : through it * Leather bags.