The traders had incurred the hostility of the country, and I should bear the brunt of it should I remain behind alone.

Without their presence I should be unable to procure porters, as the natives would not accompany my feeble party, especially as I could offer them no other payment than beads or copper.

The rain had commenced within the last few days at Latooka, and on the route toward Obbo we should encounter continual storms.

We were to march by a long and circuitous route to avoid the rocky passes that would be dangerous in the present spirit of the country, especially as the traders possessed large herds that must accompany the party.

They allowed five days' march for the distance to Obbo by the intended route.
This was not an alluring programme for the week's entertainment, with my wife almost in a dying state! However, I set to work and fitted an angarep with arched hoops from end to end, so as to form a frame like the cap of a wagon.