On the return journey the patrol held slightly easterly until, after going three miles, the Lukigura River was struck. The course of the river was then followed for about 2½ miles. Kwa-Beku, where shown on field map, was not observed. Kraals were seen on the opposite side of a lagoon on the river, after we had followed its course for about a mile, and signs of grazing cattle were noticed near here, but the huts across the river appeared uninhabited. The route by the course of the Lukigura River is obstructed by dense patches of jungle, and the going is bad. If it were necessary to approach the river for purpose of securing water for animals and troops, I would state that a short distance north of the Massimbani track, say two miles, the open forest runs out to the river-bank and access to water could here be easily accomplished. Such was a manner of unravelling the mystery of the important and unknown details of the map in this ever new and strange country. _5th August, 1916_.—At 3.30 a.m. the camp was astir—to-day we were to march, to-day we were again to begin active operations. After great overnight operations, this morning we trekked out from Makindu on the road back to Kwa-Direma, for it transpired that we were, as Divisional Reserve, to take part in an encircling right flank movement through the Nguru Mountains between the main block of hills and the Kanga-Kilindi range, on the eastern side of which the enemy stronghold sheltered. Arriving at Kwa-Direma about midday, we found a large concentration of forces there composing General Hannyngton’s Brigade and part of the Divisional Reserve. Previous to our arrival mounted South African troops under General Brits had already left to commence the advance through the hills. The following two days I have no wish to recall, but that they are necessary to this narrative. We began, and laboured incessantly to advance our column of troops and transport into hill country that proved to be quite impassable, for any but unburdened man or beast, owing to its succession of deep valley bottoms and steep untracked hills. But nevertheless we laboured on for two days, on such strenuous work as cutting roads through forest, laying corduroy logging over swamp marsh, and, at the hills, inspanning two to three complete teams of mules or oxen to drag each wagon with excessive effort up the stupendous grades. At the end of the second day, after we had in all covered some eight to ten miles, the project was abandoned, and we received orders to return the way we had come. [Sidenote: OPERATIONS AGAINST RUHUNGU FAIL]