and stowed a portion of the cooked
parrot in my wallet that I might not be delayed by having to cook a
mid-day meal, I pushed on. The forest in many places was more open than
I expected to find it, and I made good progress.

I did not wish to expend my ammunition by firing signals, but I
occasionally shouted at the top of my voice, hoping that my friends
would hear me. I was disappointed, however, and another evening found
me still in the forest. I was certain, by the course of the sun, which
I had carefully noted, that I had kept a tolerably correct course, and I
calculated that by the end of a couple of days at most, I should reach
King Sanga Tanga's town. My chief regret was, that my non-appearance
would cause anxiety, and that Charley and Harry would be delayed in
searching for me--still that could not be helped. Had I gone in any
other direction, I might naturally have lost my way, whereas I now felt
sure that they must ultimately come up with me. I have not described
the various animals I met with. Now and then a buffalo passed at a
distance, and several species of antelopes. Once I saw a leopard
stealing by, but he did not see me, having some other game in view.
There were also hyenas, but I had no reason to be afraid of them, as
they seldom attack a human being unless they find them asleep. There
were numerous small monkeys, as well as big apes of several species.
The most curious monkey was a small frolicsome little animal which,
whenever seen, indicated that water was not far off, as they have an
especial fondness for water. They are great friends with a pretty bird,
which is constantly found in their company. They are often seen playing
together, whether it is that they are attracted by the same object, or
really have a mutual affection, I am unable positively to determine.

The country teeming with animal life, and producing numerous berries as
well as large fruits, I had no fear of suffering from hunger, provided
my stock of ammunition should hold out. Without it, in the midst of
abundance, I might have starved. Although I determined, as on the
previous night, to sleep up a tree; I lit a big fire, at which I could
cook my supper, on the ground near at hand. While the birds were
roasting, I threw a vine over the bough, by climbing up which I could
gain a place of safety. The birds I had shot being cooked, I was
discussing my supper, washing it down with draughts from my water
battle, when loo