So, getting my effects together, I set out, following the course of the stream.
For the first few miles the stream flowed across a flat country, which became rocky the further I went, and the stream became more rapid in its flow.
Several pretty cascades were passed and, in places, I was obliged to do some sharp scrambling over rocks that were overgrown with creeping vines, among which convolvuli were conspicuous.
For four days I continued to ascend the stream, until lofty hills began to rise on either side abruptly from the banks; which indicated that I was getting very near the mountains.
The sides of the foot-hills were heavily wooded, but, as I left them and entered the mountains, gradually ascending to a higher altitude, the vegetation grew less dense and changed in its general appearance.
The stream was now little more than a small rushing mountain torrent, foaming over the rocks. At the end of the fifth day, just before sunset, I reached the source of the stream, for coming suddenly to a wall of rock above which the mountain rose precipitously, I beheld the brook bubbling forth from the bowels of the mountains. I decided to camp here for the night, and proceeded about my usual preparations for getting supper. I had no yams, but plenty of oranges; but presently I saw some yam vines growing a short distance away, and it was the work of a few minutes only to procure enough for supper and breakfast.
When I awoke in the morning the sky was partially overcast. As I had calculated, the rainy season was undoubtedly about to set in, and I resolved to hasten to the top of one of the mountains as quickly as possible, as I felt that, upon the outlook from the highest elevation depended my plans for a considerable time in the future.
So, hastily preparing and eating my morning meal, I climbed to the top of the rock which rose above my camping place, and saw that the highest mountain was not more than five miles away. I set out at once. The way was not difficult except where it led across a deep ravine at the foot of the mountain, where the undergrowth and creepers formed a dense tangle; but once through this, I found the way almost clear of low bush. I now began a steep climb. As I ascended, the cocoanut trees became less plentiful, and their places were taken by other species of palm, great ferns as large as trees, and giant cacti.
As nearly as I could tell, with the sun partly obscured by clouds, it was near mid-day when I came upon a broad table-land of grass, dotted here and there with groves of trees. Beyond, rose the last peak. Fearing rain, I pushed forward, resolving to reach the top before dark, and camp, so as to be ready to take observations early the next morning.
It was quite dark when I came to the summit. I could see nothing, of course, until daylight, and I searched about for a place to camp. There was a strong breeze blowing and the air was quite cool, so I found shelter behind a great boulder and prepared to spend the night. I still had a few yams with me, and three turtles' eggs, and these I cooked and ate. I then proceeded to make myself as comfortable as possible by lying close to the rock, and, having nothing else to do, I went to sleep, the long climb having wearied me.