Charley, Harry, and I, agreed
to do as Tubbs had proposed, and we all accordingly set off eastward,
accompanied by the black. The forest appeared much further away than we
supposed, or perhaps the soft sand, into which our feet sank at every
step, made us think the distance longer than it really was. The sun,
which was now high in the heavens, beat down with terrific force upon
our heads, and as we had on only our sea-caps, which afforded little or
no protection, we felt the heat greatly. We found some comfort,
however, by shifting our packs onto our heads. Aboh, who saw how much
we suffered, offered to relieve us of them. He carried my pack and his
own on his head, and another on his shoulders, with perfect ease. I
bethought me of a handkerchief which I had in my pocket, and fastened it
like a turban over my cap; Harry imitated my example. Charley and Tom,
who were stronger than either of us, continued to carry their packs with
comparative ease on their heads. We had lost sight of the blacks, the
last of whom had disappeared before we commenced our march. At length
we reached the outskirts of the forest, and were thankful to sit down
and rest under the shade of a tree.

"I have been thinking," said Harry, "that we ought to have a leader who
should decide what we should do. It will save a good deal of trouble
and discussion."

"You are right, Mr Bracewell," said Tom, "that's what I've been
thinking too; and I propose that we at once elect Mr Westerton, Mr
Harry's brother. Although I'm older than any of you, he's a naval
officer, and I for one shall be ready to obey him."

Of course Harry and I agreed to this, and Aboh, who understood almost
everything we said, nodded his head, just to show that he also consented
to the proposal.

"I will do my best, my friends," said Charley, "although, had you chosen
Mr Tubbs, I should have been willing to follow him, for I feel
convinced that he is a man of courage and judgment."

"Thank you, sir, for your good opinion," said Tom. "You have been more
accustomed to command than I have, although I shall be happy to give you
any advice whenever you ask it, to the best of my power."

"Well, then," said Charley, "the first use I will make of my authority
is to select a northerly route. I have been trying to recall the map of
the country, which I frequently studied on board the `Rover,' and I
think we shall, by proceeding as I propose, fall in with the Gaboon
River, at