being settled, we lost no time in making our preparations.
We had some alterations to make in the contents of our packs, that we
might each carry a sufficient store of the articles we were most likely
to require. We took an ample supply of powder and shot, a tinder-box
apiece, the most portable food we possessed, and bottles to contain
water, with a pocket-compass and a spy-glass, and an additional pair of
shoes. We had also a kettle to boil water for making our tea, and a tin
cup apiece to drink it out of, with a spoon, a plate apiece, and a
couple of knives and forks. Our camp equipage, though not elaborate,
was as complete as we desired. Our legs were encased in strong gaiters.

We left our party encamped on the summit of a mound, from which they
could obtain a view on every side; while the trees, with the addition of
some stockades placed between them, would enable them effectually to
defend themselves against any attack of the natives. At the foot of the
mound ran a stream with several deep water-holes in its course, which
were not likely ever to become dry; while the trees along its margin
were frequented by various descriptions of birds. Thus an abundant
supply of food could always be obtained.

Between it and the range was a more thickly wooded country than we had
hitherto passed through, and of some extent, which prevented us from
seeing the character of the ground beyond. Through this we should have
to make our way. We should, however, have some distance to go before we
could reach the actual base of the hills.

Pullingo, as far as we could ascertain, had no objection to accompanying
us; and besides our guns, we each had a brace of pistols, an axe, and a
long knife.

At early dawn, after a hearty breakfast, all the party having got up to
wish us good-bye, we set out. The clearness of the atmosphere deceived
us, and it took us some time before we entered the forest. The rays of
the sun, as they gleamed through the trees, showed us the direction we
were to take. Mudge went first, and I followed, for there was often not
room between the numberless creepers which hung down from the boughs to
make our way two abreast.

Pullingo had, I observed, for some days past been giving signs that he
was becoming tired of the routine of our life, so different from that
which natives are accustomed to lead. He now, instead of going ahead,
lagged behind, merely pointing in the direction we were to take, and
whic