Little did he think, when he set out so gaily upon his second expedition, of all the dangers which were about to beset his path while pursuing it.
[CHAPTER XVI]
BIG GAME
When the New Year had come, all preparations being satisfactorily completed, our friends set forth upon their second journey; feeling themselves so much better equipped, and so much more experienced in both travelling, and speaking the necessary languages, that they started in the highest spirits.
Mr. Gilchrist enforced various strict regulations, with regard to the safety of his party.
None were to wander alone, far from the rest; none to start off upon independent explorations; all were to carry upon their persons, at all times, suitable firearms, always ready for use; ample supply of charges for them; hunting-knives in good order; and a small supply of food, in case of accident.
Native villages were plentifully scattered upon their road,—English stations not unfrequent. The weather was agreeable, and all promised well.
The party was successful in finding many rare orchids; so that, though their progress was slow, they were content.
They did not cross the river Salween, preferring to proceed along its banks northwards, and to search the rocky country upon its eastern side for some distance first, as the plants seemed to be of a different character there from those which they had already collected; and the cessation of traffic upon the river, in consequence of the frequent rapids in it, rendered a passage across it difficult.