The late afternoon and evening were chiefly
spent in having warm baths, which were most grateful after the, of
necessity, somewhat sketchy ablutions of the past three days. Now that
the safe arrival of the luggage was an accomplished fact, and the
travellers clothed and fed, there seemed little reason for late hours,
and it was not long after dinner when the general dispersal took place.
We only waited to hear a few selections of songs on the beautiful
gramophone which our host had received a few months ago as a Christmas
greeting from England. It must be difficult for those at home to
realise what an immense amount of pleasure a good gramophone can give to
the dwellers in the far camp lands. This instrument was in constant
request, and both the machine and records were extraordinarily good.
Still, even this great attraction did not tempt the party to sit up
late; everyone was tired and exhausted, and our cocheros, more
especially the Jehu, must have been worn out with their exertions of the
day. We can only hope they will suffer no after ill effects from their
arduous task and severe drenchings.
[Illustration: _Some of the Horses._]
Our horses have been simply wonderful during this trip. We have driven,
ridden, and brought along nearly 100 animals for 150 miles, and have not
lost one upon the journey.
Pages:
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295