at all. Smith and I watched him in silence, and, finally,

and abounded in small creeks that went almost totally dry even in

short periods of drought, but became flooded with muddy water under

the outpouring of rain peculiar to a semi-tropical climate. In such

a region there were many chances of our being surprised, especially

by an enemy who knew the country well, and whose ranks were filled

with local guides; and great precautions as well as the fullest

information were necessary to prevent disaster. I therefore

endeavored to familiarize all with our surroundings, but scarcely had