able to hold our
own against them, we might find it dangerous to go out hunting singly or
in small parties. I therefore advise that at the end of two days we
should proceed up the river as far as the boat will carry us, and either
pitch our camp there, while we make further preparations for our
journey, or push on southward at once. I prefer an inland route to one
along the coast, because in the latter case we should have to follow its
various sinuosities, and have to cross the rivers at their mouths, where
they are probably the broadest; whereas by keeping inland we may steer a
direct course, and are more likely to find game and obtain fresh water."

"I am of Mr Mudge's opinion," observed Burton. "By keeping near the
coast, if the natives are inclined to attack us we should only have one
side to defend. But then, again, if we move quickly on they will see
that we are merely travelling through the country, and not wishing to
interfere with them, and so are not likely to annoy us. I, however,
would advise that we should make all preparations before leaving this,
and begin our overland journey directly we leave the boat."

"I agree with all you have said," observed my father. "I will get you,
Burton, to explain the plan we propose to the other men; and I hope that
all will be satisfied that what we suggest is for the best. I should be
glad, however, if, before starting, we could manage to communicate with
Pullingo, as he would prove invaluable as a guide across the parts of
the country with which he is acquainted; and I think, after the way we
have treated him, that he may be trusted."

"Paddy Doyle would be the best person to try and get hold of him," I
observed. "It would be pretty trying to any one of us to go near the
whale, but I suspect that the Irishman would not be very particular; and
as Pullingo knows that we can always supply him with food, he might be
more willing than the rest of his tribe to leave the horrible mass of
flesh on which they are gorging themselves."

"You must speak to Paddy, and see if he is willing to go," said my
father. "In the meantime, we will make packages of the necessaries we
are to take with us; and I should advise each person to manufacture for
himself a pair of canvas leggings, and a broad-brimmed hat of the same
material."

Before separating they discussed other points, and made out a list of
the different articles it would be advisable to take with us.

As soon as I