They are bastards, and of the Pongo I hear nothing but what is evil.

Still, no good ox ever turns in the yoke because of a mud-hole.

Let us go on, for if we sink in the swamp what does it matter?
Moreover, my Snake tells me that we shall not sink, at least not all of us." So it was arranged that no effort should be made to return.

Sammy, it is true, wished to do so, but when it came to the point and he was offered one of the remaining donkeys and as much food and ammunition as he could carry, he changed his mind.
"I think it better, Mr.Quatermain," he said, "to meet my end in the company of high-born, lofty souls than to pursue a lonely career towards the inevitable in unknown circumstances." "Very well put, Sammy," I answered; "so while waiting for the inevitable, please go and cook the dinner." Having laid aside our doubts, we proceeded on the journey comfortably enough, being well provided with bearers to take the place of those who had run away.

Babemba, accompanied by a single orderly, travelled with us, and from him we collected much information.