It was then 10 p.m.We hoped relays of bearers for the whole party would be forthcoming at the next stage, but we were doomed to disappointment.

Our reliefs were present, but none for the ladies.
We succeeded, however, in inducing our original bearers to come on a further stage, thus arranging for the carriage of the _ayahs_, while we two men trudged on beside the buggy for another ten or twelve miles.

It was a heavy, sandy road, and three stages were about as much as the horse could manage.
Soon after daybreak next morning we reached the Bias river.

Crossing by a bridge of boats, we found on the other side a small one-roomed house with a verandah running round it, built for the use of the European overseer in charge of the road.

On matters being explained, this man agreed to turn out.