Page 155 - Adventures in Africa

C H A P T E R VIII.

— —
W hen people know that their lives may depend

upon maintaining a blazing fire, they must be foolish in­
deed if they allow themselves to slumber at their posts;
but I confess that I had great difficulty, during my

watch, in keeping my eyes open, after the exertions of
the day and the hunger and thirst I had endured, I felt
that my only chance was to get up and walk about

with my riile in my hand. I did not, however, go far
from the ftre, as the smoke drove the mosquitoes and
other insects away from its immediate vicinity ; and I

knew also, that at any distance from the flames I was
as likely to be seized by a savage animal as I should
be did no fire exist.

I could hear every now and then the mutterings and
occasional roars of lions, with the cries of hyssnas and
jackals, and the calls of various night-birds. Alto­

gether the concert had a somewhat depressing effects
accustomed though I was by this time to the noises
proceeding from an African forest.

At last the time I had agreed to watch came to an
end, and I roused up Harry, charging him to keep a
bright look-out.