formance, and was not done till long after we had arrived on
the ground.

Well, we had arrived by this wonderful tree; and stooping down, and
entering under its branches, we saw at a glance it was the very place
for us to pass the night in. A house could hardly have served us
better; and as for room there was enough to have accommodated the crew
of a three-decker. It hardly mattered where we lay down--as under its
wide-spread canopy there was ample choice, and nowhere was the dew
likely to disturb our slumbers.

We were determined, however, to light a fire, for we were still in dread
of the wild beasts. No wonder after such a day's adventures.

Though it was almost dark under the shadow of the tree, it was still
twilight beyond, and there was yet light enough for us to collect fuel
for our fire. So throwing down our lion-skin, and other impediments, we
proceeded to gather the logs. At a short distance off, we found a
quantity of dead timber, that would serve admirably for fuel, and three
or four double armfuls would be sufficient.

We were not slow in bringing them up; and, choosing a place under one of
the great horizontal limbs, we built our camp fire. The limb was so
thick and broad underneath, that it formed a roof of itself ample enough
to shelter us from any rain that might fall, and the ground underneath
was as dry as tinder, so that we had every prospect of getting a
comfortable night's rest.

We built our fire at some distance from the main trunk; and as soon as
it was fairly kindled, we gave over work, and sat down beside it.

Ben had his clay pipe in his pocket; and, filling this with the narcotic
weed, he set to smoking with great contentment. I was myself very
happy. After my experience on board the barque, this free forest life
was positively charming, and I thought I should like to continue it for
ever. Though I did not join my companion in a smoke, I sat down
opposite to him, and we both indulged in the pleasure of unrestrained
conversation.

I have said that, when we first entered under the shadow of the baobab,
it was quite dark there--just as dark as night itself--and we could not
see six feet beyond our noses in any direction but soon the fire blazing
up, enabled us to note our new quarters more particularly. We could see
above our heads the long egg-shaped fruit hanging down from among the
large leaves, while strewed over the ground were many that had fallen
from over-ripeness, and