Return to Tombogo - another Jimland AAR

The Diary of Ambrosius Ballroom

Once more the urge to explore is upon me. Rested after my previous travails I am now ready once again to lead men of less stout heart in search of wealth in the mysterious interior of Tombogo.
Fine fellow that he is, the noble Tweakers has again signed on (though truth to tell I have no idea how else he’d fill his days) and naturally Flaherty will be by my side. I am determined not to have the d***able Scandewegian Scout along with us this time. His death on each previous expedition has caused great inconvenience. I sent Tweakers to locate a replacement and I’m pleased to report he has found a fine and capable chap. The fellow in many respects bears a close resemblance to the little lamented Svensson – in fact, were it not for his luxurious black moustache (such a contrast with his blond hair) one might think them brothers! The new scout gave his name as Svens Err-Thompson, I was at Eton with one of the Err-Thompsons so I suspect this is a distant relation – I feel sure he will prove excellent. We depart at dawn tomorrow!

God Save the Queen!

Day one

I have decided we shall head westwards and have instructed the party so. Almost at once my instincts proved correct as we came upon mysterious and ancient ruins from some long lost civilisation. Tweakers and I made numerous sketches of the ruins and Flaherty used his strength to dislodge some of the crude carvings which I’m certain will assume pride of place in a great museum in London.
As we departed the ruins a party of natives approached. They seemed friendly enough and Err-Thompson exchanged pleasantries with them. They offered us food in return for our trade goods, but I declined.

 

Day two

Westwards once more, however the scout was clearly not paying attention! A wrong turn and several of the party plunged into a deep ravine. One of the Askari and both of the trade goods bundles (and the men carrying them) were lost to us. An unfortunate loss of valuable goods so early in our expedition.

We decided to follow the river that forged the ravine however as we entered a clearing Err-Thompson held up his hand in warning. I quickly ordered us to form up in defensive positions and not a moment too soon as natives burst forth from the surrounding trees.

 Savage Archers emerge!

A defensive pattern is formed

Sneaky savages!

There appeared to be five natives armed with crude bows and five warriors with spears. We gave fire and my unerring ability with the rifle immediately put down one of the bow armed devils.
Two of the archers returned fire, but their aim was off. Meanwhile their fellows broke cover and rushed toward the column.

 The fight is on

Flaherty wreaks havoc with the enemy

Flaherty immediately ran forward to engage one of the spear armed natives and with a mighty right hook despatched the fellow – native guile no match for brute British strength!

The rest of us took aim, I parted the hair of one archer and Err-Thompson too narrowly missed. Tweakers was more accurate and took a native clean through the breast.

Tweakers finds his range

More native arrows rained down on us, but none found their mark. The charging natives found their opponents. The fool tackling Flaherty went the way of his predecessor – this time Flaherty squeezed the life out of him in a mighty bear hug! One of the Askari ducked a spear thrust and then clubbed the native to death with his rifle butt. The scout and the man fighting him circled one another warily but neither landed a blow.

Flaherty, his dander well and truly up rushed to help Err-Thompson and a swift punch to the solar plexus saw another native go to meet his maker. Tweakers took aim and bagged another native, though the rest of our shots proved wild.

Flaherty claims another victim

In return the remaining natives fired their bows to no great effect and, as they melted back into the jungle, Tweakers took aim and bought down a third.
A brutal and savage fight but at no cost to the expedition. We shall keep eyes open for more hostile intent!

Day Three

I was awoken in the cold light of morning by the sound of someone going through our baggage. I rushed from the tent in time to see several savages fleeing back into the jungle. Fortunately my quick thinking had prevented anything being taken. Tweakers slept through the whole affair.
We followed the river southwards deeper into the jungle.
Late in the afternoon we were approached by natives who had elaborate masks and beautifully woven rugs for sale. Through my clever bartering we exchanged some of our food to obtain these wonders that will bring a pretty penny back in Tomsville.
At camp this evening Tweakers and I took out the cards and enjoyed a game of Thruppeny Wordsworth, though our enjoyment was somewhat curtailed by Flahertys mournful crooning.

Day Four

I awoke early this morning and left the tent and almost immediately encountered Err-Thompson. A trick of the light made it appear he had no moustache and I mistook him for the d***able Scandewegian Svensson. I made a loud exclamation and he ducked back into his tent. He re-emerged seconds later and I could see his moustache firmly in place and we both laughed heartily at my error.
We again headed south into the jungle.
Nothing of interest occurred all day.

Day five

Flaherty reports that some of the food has gone bad – we are now low on supplies and I have advised we make progress back toward Tomsville. We headed east, again following the river, which turned northwards late in the day. Err-Thompson advised we should follow it but I overruled his suggestion – we shall continue eastwards.
A quiet night in camp. Tweakers shared some of the romantic poetry he has been working on. Awful guff.

Day six

As we left camp today a large jungle cat emerged from the trees and seized one of the bearers carrying trade goods and dragged him into the jungle.
Tweakers blasted away ineffectually but despite our best efforts we were unable to save any of the valuable goods.
We pushed on despite this setback. In the mid-afternoon a small party of natives emerged from the jungle and tracked us for some hours. We ignored them (but kept our guns handy).

Day Seven

This morning dawned bright and clear and we struck out northwards in good spirits. Tweakers was humming one of those infernal songs from the Music Halls he holds so dear.
Soon after leaving camp we wandered into an expanse of bright red flowers, however barely had the front of the party entered the fields than the men began screaming in agony.
We retreated, but two of the Askari at the head of the column and a bearer collapsed covered in angry welts raised by the poisoned spines  of the seemingly beautiful flowers!
This unfortunate event has left us short of food. And Askari.

As Err-Thompson led us in a circuitous route about the scarlet flowers his keen ear picked up a noise and he motioned us to a halt. I immediately formed us up in a defensive position and not a moment too soon as tribal natives burst from cover and rushed at us across a small stream.

 Another ambush

With my usual unerring accuracy I bagged one of the fearsome tribesmen as he broke cover both Tweakers and the scout failed to hit home.

The natives pressed on their attack, with one sneaky cover trying to work his way down our flank – fortunately the Askari sergeant was wise to his wiles and put a round right between his eyes!

 They are upon us!

Flaherty squares up to the Chieftain

Flaherty, his blood boiling at the sight of the native chieftain urging the savages on rushed out of the line and with a mighty blow dashed the native leader lifeless to the ground

And then the natives were on us. My skilful technique and lithe figure meant my opponent was unable to land a blow on me, though I too failed to find my mark.

The remaining Askari ran to our assistance and one distracted a native long enough for Tweakers  to land a deadly blow. The savage locked in combat with me thrust his spear into my chest, but the small hand painted broach of Binky I keep in my pocket turned the spear-point at the last moment!

Alas Err-Thompson was not so fortunate and a lucky blow from his opponent laid him low, just as he himself disembowelled the tribal warrior.

The fall of Err-Thompson

To our rear the undergrowth suddenly parted and a full grown lion emerged and made for the bearers. Fortunately the man was able to parry the mighty beast with a container of stewed prunes.

A life and death struggle

At this point Flaherty roused himself from his ongoing dance with the native and snapped the fellow’s neck as if it were a twig and with that the remaining natives and the lion al made off into the jungles.
Sadly the Scout died of his wounds. His pitiful claims that it was just a scratch and he’d soon get better could not fool an old soldier like myself. When he refused the offer of a cremation and responded with a stream of seemingly Nordic invective I resolved to leave his body where it had fallen.
We camped for the night in good spirits, though I am worried that food supplies are running low.

Day Eight

We marched northwards. Nothing else to report, save that we have now eaten the last of the supplies.

Day nine

More infernal drums in the night. Awoke to find another bearer had vanished. Tweakers says he finds the drums soothing and slept through everything.
We are still at least a day’s march from our camp and have no more food but I resolutely pressed on.
Shortly after lunch we were greeted by the most marvellous sight. A small herd of the rare, shy and impossibly beautiful Quangar’s Onlyx skipped by our column. Truly they made a majestic picture bounding like ballet dancers  through the undergrowth, their movements almost poetic in their gracefulness.
Tweakers shot them all and we ate like kings at camp tonight.

Day ten

We returned to our campsite. A smaller and wiser party than had departed, but richer in both knowledge and simple drinking vessels fashioned from Onlyx skulls.
Some hours after our return the dead scout blundered into camp as well. He cannot be long of this world.

On our return to Tombogo our discovery of the ancient city garnered some interest and a small reward from the local antiquarians and together with our other resources and information I have made a small profit on the expedition. I look forward to a return to the jungles in due course.

Back to Tombogo - An Adventures Jimland AAR

Once more General Ballroom prepares to lead forth a small expedition in search of wealth and fame in the jungle lands of Tombogo.
As before he is accompanied by his school-chum Tweakers, his batman and bodyguard Flaherty and the hapless Scandiwegian scout Svensson

The account of the previous excursion General Ballroom made can be found here

 

The Diary of Ambrosius Ballroom 

April 23rd  1883

Tomorrow I shall once more lead an expedition into the unexplored interior of Tombogo. The fame of my previous exploration has traveled far and wide and I have been prevailed upon to return into the wilds once more. I have decided to resume a northwards passage through the jungles. Tweakers has once again agreed to accompany me. To my astonishment the d**nable Scandiwegian scout has returned as it were from the dead and presented himself for employment. Apparently it was just a flesh wound and he’s fully recovered. I advanced him his first three day’s pay and he vanished into the fleshpots of Tombogo – he had better appear in the morning, the knave!

 

April 24th 1883

Svensson clattered into the camp this morning at daybreak reeking of cheap perfume and native spirits. Flaherty dragged him to the river edge and thrust him into the water several times, which restored some semblance of sobriety and removed some of the smell.
We made swift progress to the edge of the territory we charted on my last glorious expedition I gave a short speech reflecting on my past achievements and Tweakers called for three cheers before we set off once more into the unexplored jungles.
Much of the day passed uneventfully though we encountered a small spring which grew into a river that soon forked both east and west. The scout suggested we follow the waterway but I dismissed his nonsense – Northward we shall go!
Late in the afternoon Tweakers gave a yell and fell to his knees gazing in rapture at a small purple flower. Truth to tell I was quite taken with its beauty as well and ordered the bearers to dig several up to take back to us. The Ballroom Dahlia (as I have chosen to name it) will be a horticultural hit across the Empire I am convinced.

 

April 25th 1883

A miserable night’s sleep – Tweakers snored fit to wake the dead and then complained most bitterly when I emptied the contents of my tooth mug over his head to rouse him. He is stil refusing to speak with me.
The jungle seemed to me unnaturally quiet as we set off, but the scout would have none of it and marched off at the head of the column. Almost the moment we had stepped into  the jungle the air was rent with cries and savages descended upon us.

 

Arrows fell amongst us before we could respond and one of the askari fell stone dead to the floor. Tweakers too was hit by an arrow and I worried for his safety, but luckily the deadly projectile merely scratched his cheek. Four of the natives rushed towards us.

Hastily I ordered the askari into a line though Flaherty raced away to engage in fisticuffs with the natives. We were too engaged with forming a defensive position to give fire and Flaherty swung and missed his opponent.

At this point an undiscovered Lion suddenly sprang forth to threaten the end of our defensive line, but fortunately it’s claws did not strike home.
The native archers fired once more but their arrows fell short. A second native turned on Flaherty and the other two rushed our line. However despite a flurry of blows no-one struck home.

I ordered the flag bearer out of the line to help Flaherty and one of his fellows ran to try and drag his companion free from the lion the final two ran to help in the tussle with the natives. Tweakers the Scandiwegian and I fired on the archers and the scout claimed a kill.  One of the evil natives struck down the flag bearer, in return the askari killed one of the two bold fellows who had charged home. The lion roared but was unable to strike home

Suddenly a cry to my right and Svensson fell to the ground with an arrow in his belly. A fatal blow – though he protested otherwise. Flaherty continued to swing and miss at his baffled opponents as another askari ran to help him. Meanwhile the two askari finally dispatched the ferocious lion with swift blows. It’s head will look nice back at Ballroom Manor.

In revenge for Svenson’s death Tweakers took aim and bagged one of the archers and the askari dragged another native to the ground and a huge blow from Flaherty broke the neck of another. Drawn by the death of her mate a lioness emerged from the jungle and took a swipe at an askari  before she and the surviving natives melted back into the trees.

Two dead askari and the scout breathing his last – despite maintaining he was hale and hearty – was a high butchers bill so early in the exploration, but I felt we must press on and ordered us forward. The dying Svensson pleaded to come with us and resisted our attempts to bury him so we left him where he had fallen.
The jungle soon began to thin and we started to climb into foothills and before long were high in the range of mountains that shall henceforth be known as the Ballroom Range.
Late in the day we encountered a small band of natives who seemed friendly though none of us could understand a word they said.
We made camp with a splendid view back over the jungles and toasted the memory of the late Scandiwegian.

April 26th 1883

Fever has struck the camp! One of the Askari has succumbed in the night  and Flaherty too has a high temperature and spent most of the morning incoherently muttering about the “silver bogs of home” or somesuch. Fortunately is iron constitution saw him though and by mid-afternoon he had climbed down from his stretcher and was once more marching with the rest of us.
In the absence of the scout I have been using my unerring sense of direction to guide us through these treacherous mountains. As night fell I located a lovely spot with a splendid view back over the jungles. Obviously a desirable spot as there was evidence of a camp having been there recently – natives presumably.

April 27th 1883

A quiet and uneventful day. Once more I led us to a campsite with another splendid view back over the jungles. Another place popular with natives as we found evidence of at least two camps.

April 28th 1883

In the night we were awoken by the sound of drumming. The two remaining askari claimed it was a bad omen and fled into the mountains like craven curs! Fortunately I am made of sterner stuff. As is Tweakers who snored his way through the whole thing.
Another day wondering in the mountains. Around midday we encountered more friendly natives and were able to trade for some more food. Again I located a safe camping spot with a splendid view of the jungle. Tweakers ventured that it all looked awfully familiar to him I fear that the sun is getting to him and he is becoming jaded with the sights we are seeing.

April 29th 1883

Tweakers insisted on leading the column today and I reluctantly agreed. At first things went well and we made good progress, but a sudden landslip saw two days food carried away, along with the three bearers that carried them. Tweakers and I exchanged strong words and almost came to blows. However I did say he could lead for today and am a man of my word, so eventually we went on following his direction. As the day wore on we once more encountered a party of natives – these seemed less friendly and tracked us through the mountains for some time before melting away.
At night we made camp in a most inferior spot. No view of the jungle nor evidence of previous camps.

April 30th 1883

Awoke to discover our bags had been rifled through in the night and our last remaining trade goods had been stolen. Tweakers was all for hunting down the culprits but I am mindful our food supplies are low and we should be making our way back toward Tombogo. To mollify him I allowed him to continue setting our direction, which proved a clear folly as we ended the day back at the same miserable spot we had occupied the night before. He would have none of it, insisting it was merely a similar spot and that the campsite detritus had been left by natives.
As we prepared to make camp we encountered the same group of natives we had previously traded with and once again they seemed keen to exchange but we have nothing to exchange apart from our limited food.

May 1st 1883

I once more assumed command of the expedition today and led us in what I believed to be a southerly direction. As we broke camp I stubbed my toe most painfully on a protruding rock. Closer examination of the offending item revealed it to be a bone of monstrous size – doubtless another thunder lizard – this one shall be known as the Ballroomasaurus. The bearers collected as much of the creatures remains as we could find and I led us down from the mountain and back into lush jungle. I fear we are being tracked as the unfriendly natives of two days ago once more appeared and followed us at a distance for much of the day. Flaherty wanted to chase them off, but mindful of our limited guns I held him back.

May 2nd 1883

Once again the infernal native drums struck up in the night. Three bearers were absent when we assembled again in the morning – the turncoats had even taken two days’ worth of food with them. This venture has felt cursed from the beginning and we are now down to almost our last supplies. I ordered us to travel what I believe to be eastward.
More natives appeared in the afternoon, but again were content just to track our progress.

May 3rd

The morning broke quiet and still and I ordered once more eastwards. We had only been marching for a few hours when Twekaers let out a cry and ran on ahead to a clearing where the tents we had left ten days earlier were waiting for us!
Also waiting for us was the Scandiwegian scout who again insisted his wound was not fatal and demanded his outstanding pay! I pointed out that as he’d left the party he’d not earned any pay and dismissed him on the spot. Though Tweakers subsequently re-hired him to lead us back to Tombogo.

On reaching the capital I was able to relax in a lovely warm bath.
Once again the bone-doctor denies that my thunder lizard is unique, though he did pay well for the remains. Similarly a plant fellow explained that the Ballroom Dahlia was an already known, albeit rare, species. He agreed a reward and took the plantings to send back to Kew Gardens.
Sadly this expedition has cost me rather more than it earned me. However I feel sure there are more resources to be had and as soon as I am well rested I shall venture forth once more!
God save the Queen!

Jungle scenery

I've taken advantage of the absence of offspring and a sunny weekend to make some terrain.
Yes I know I should probably be painting soldiers, but, y'know sometimes you just gotta follow the muse.

Anyway I finished these two bits with big rocks on. The rocks are some yellow foam the builders left around when doing the extension. The rest is MDF and aquarium plants.

I guess this means it's time for another Adventures in Jimland trip for the Ballroom Expedition.
Or possibly that it's time to persuade the Sherwood Hucknall and Ilkeston Team to play some Triumph and Tragedy Darkest Africa style.
Or both.

The Ballroom Expedition Explores Tombogo - a Jimland AAR

The Ballroom Expedition March 1883 Tomsville.

In the spring of 1883 a small column of explorers marched forth into the uncharted jungles of Tombogo in search of riches, knowledge and large animals to slaughter.

The expedition team

• General Ambrosius Montgomery Ballroom – currently on shooting leave from his regiment, the 99th North Humberside Yeomanry
• Royston “Tweakers” Cuthbertson – School friend of Ballroom and nature lover
• Partick "Fightin Irish" Flaherty – General Ballroom’s batman and bodyguard
• Rasmuss Svensson– Scandiwegian scout of great reputation and ill manners
• Assorted Askari and native bearers.

 

The Diary of Ambrosius Ballroom 

March 17th 1883
Tomorrow we leave the hurly-burly of Tomsville and head north onto the jungles of Tombogo. Tweakers is like a man possessed, forever polishing his shells and murmuring about “bagging a big ‘un.” No sign of the d**ned Scandiwegian scout - vanished with his advance pay into the Fleshpots of this godforsaken town. If he’s not here when we leave I’ll find him and have him horsewhipped.
I am a modest man but I am of the opinion that under my skilled leadership this expedition will bring discoveries and riches the envy of any yet alive!
In the event that I should not return from this mission fraught with peril, then please let Binky know that I love her more than any man has ever loved and that the nine years I have spent with her have been the happiest any man could ever hope for.
Please also tell Mrs Ballroom to ensure Binky has fresh hay twice a day and a small bag of carrots each Friday.
God Save The Queen!

March 18th 1883
We set forth at dawn into the verdant jungles to the north of Tomsville.
Svensson appeared just before we left wearing nought but his nightshirt and reeking of cheap rum and even cheaper perfume. Were he not so highly recommended I’d have had him dismissed. And horsewhipped for a blackguard.
All was quiet for much of the day, though Tweakers discharged several volleys into the trees where he claimed he had seen rhino. As the sun began to set Svensson called us to a halt. A party of natives emerged from the forest and the Scandiwegian approached them. They seemed friendly and offered us trinkets but I am in no mood for such trifles so we marched on.
Camp is quiet this evening, save for Flaherty’s mournful songs of his bog strewn homeland. 

March 19th 1883
D**mned uncomfortable night’s sleep. Tweakers snores fit to wake the dead.
The day began badly as the foolish scout, still reeking of cheap spirits, led us off in the wrong direction. The two Askari leading the way marched straight into quicksand. We were able to pull one of them from the sucking mud but the other was lost to us. Svennson made himself scarce before I could find my horsewhip.
More jungle as I set us back on a northward route. Soon after lunch Svennson re-appeared, just in time to liaise with some new natives. Or possibly the same natives as yesterday again offering trade. I told Svensson to tell them to stop following us around.
Svensson regaled us this evening with tales of his homeland and his father’s skills as a manufacturer of book cases.

March 20th 1883
Woke this morning to find Tweakers had already vacated the tent. In his place a full grown lion. The beast swiped at me with a paw but I was able to fling the contents of my chamber pot in its eyes which caused the creature to flee. Tweaker returned soon thereafter and was displeased to find his undershorts sodden with the contents of my chamber pot. He has had a most uncomfortable day of it I fear.
We moved northwards further into the jungle and in late afternoon found ourselves being shadowed by some tribal types. Svennson professed calmness but these were altogether less amicable than our previous encounters and I kept my rifle loaded and ordered the column to close up.
Camp this evening enlivened by the bearers singing. Tweakers declared it an unholy racket but I found it rather soothing.

March 21st 1883
I have decided that we should head toward the east and instructed Svennson thus. He muttered his displeasure but the threat of a horsewhipping put him back in line.
My decision was vindicated as we soon encountered a swift flowing river. As we made to follow it Tweakers let out a cry and plunged into the shallows, emerging with a nugget of shining ore the size of a moderately large horse chestnut! I immediately ordered the column into the swirling stream and we soon filled a couple of large sacks with gold. Tweakers and I shall be rich if nothing else.
The rest of the day passed without incident.

March 22nd 1883
Was awoken this morning by a howling gale. Rushed to supervise the securing of the tents in place. Flaherty showed his mighty strength by single-handedly holding down the Askari tent while all around him was chaos. When the windstorm died down we discovered two bearers had been carried off by the gusts, which is inconvenient.
We continued eastward following the river but in the late afternoon it forked north and south. Tweakers and I almost came to blows trying to decide which fork to follow, so rather than harm our friendship we agreed to continue eastward away from the river. As night began to fall more natives emerged. These carried some meat stuff about them and with the aid of Svennson I was able to trade some for some blankets we carried.
Svensson claimed the meat is chicken, but it must come from very large birds indeed, the thighbone was almost as thick as mine! Dashed tasty though.

March 23rd 1883
Poor night’s sleep, Tweakers was moaning and groaning claiming the bush chicken was off. My iron constitution saw me through. He’s was still a little green this morning.
As we hacked deeper into the jungle we came across a huge slab of rock, riddled with ribbons of green and puce. Dashed pretty stuff, but no idea what it is. Told Flaherty to carve off a lump to take back and show the boffins.
More bush chicken this evening. Tweakers refused to eat the stuff, more fool him. Neither the bearers nor the Askari will touch it either. Svensson claimed it was on religious grounds. All of which meant I was able to gorge on the tasty white flesh.

March 24th 1883
Weather has turned and the sun is scorching with water in short supply. I’ve ordered us to turn back to Tomsville as supplies are low and I’m not sure Svensson knows the way. We headed south. More jungle. The heat was staggering. One of the Askari keeled over as we marched. Clearly he was dying and I ordered us to march on. However Svensson found some herbs and flowers and rubbed them under the man’s nose and he made a remarkable recovery and was able to continue.
In the late afternoon I prepared to order an early halt to the march as all were suffering in the heat.
However as we entered a clearing Svensson’s keen eyes spotted something and he hissed a warning. I quickly drew us close together and not a moment too soon as savages bust from the undergrowth in front of us…

I formed the column up in a simple square with the Askari covering the flanks. I expected a headlong rush from the natives and three duly charged toward us using the undergrowth for cover.

Four more of their number sneaked over on our right flank.

We gave fire, and though Svesson parted the hair of the nearest native none of our shots hit home.

The savages on our right let forth with arrows one of which struck me in the chest! My pocket-watch is quite ruined.

Three more native archers appeared from the trees to our left and took aim.

The natives to our front burst from cover and were on us before we had reloaded. Svensson traded blows with one of the brutes but neither of them hit home.

The rest of us fired at what natives we could see but to no effect, whilst Flaherty raced to Svensson's aid. However before he could land a blow the savage struck with ferocious speed and buried his spear deep in the scout's chest. Showing his phlegmatic Scandiwegian nature he still produced an enormous knife from beneath his nightshirt and struck and both fell lifeless to the ground.

Arrows now rained down on us from all sides but we remained unharmed.

At this point a mighty lion emerged from the undergrowth, doubtless attracted by the din of battle and the smell of blood. The bearers quaked in fear but stern words kept them in line.

Three more spearmen charged our lines. Flaherty dispatched one with a fearsome uppercut and one of the Askari brained another with his butt. Tweakers parried a spear-thrust with his rifle but was unable to strike home.

Unfortunately for the recently victorious Askari the lion decided to seize upon him but his flailing paws missed the brave fellow.

Having reloaded I calmly bagged a native between the eyes. Flaherty joined the tussle with Tweakers, though the pair of fools conspired to miss and Tweakers was lucky to turn aside a speart-hrust with his helmet.
One of the Askarir broke ranks and ran to help his fellow fight the lion. Amid much roaring and clawing one of them thrust a knife home, but the beast roared its defiance.

More arrows failed to find their mark - no stout Welsh yeomen these - and one of the spearmen decided to brave Flaherty

The noble lion bit down on one of the Askari who collapsed with a horrible wail.

Another of the Askari finally found his range and pinged one of the archers on the left with a good shot.

Flaherty picked up his opponent and crushed the life out of him with a mighty bear-hug and with that the fight left the savages and they fled, with the  noble lion in hot pursuit.

With the savages and the lion in full retreat I counted the butchers bill. The Askari had been badly mauled by the lion and died in short order. Svensson too was clearly dead. Even though he tried to claim otherwise. I offered to shoot him to be sure but all I received was a profanity laden response. Were it not for the spear in his gut I’d have horsewhipped him. We left his still protesting corpse in the clearing and continued southward, making camp some hours later.
Finished the last of the bush chicken tonight, delicious but slightly spoiled by the presence of a toenail – must have been dropped in by the chef. Will have Flaherty beat him.

March 25th 1883
We turned westward, searching for home. We are better without the d**nable Scandiwegian for I possess a perfect sense of direction. Shortly after elevenses we stumbled upon some ancient ruins amid the creepers and bushes. Tweakers claims they are from a civilisation older than the Romans. I made some crude sketches and Flaherty pulled a section of relief from one of the walls to take back to Tomsville
All was otherwise quiet.
In the camp tonight I prevailed upon Tweakers to give his marvelous rendition of “Ooops Mr Bloomers” in the music hall style. I laughed till the tears flowed.

March 26th 1883
I can barely see the page to write this entry the fog is so thick. No movement possible. Flaherty says he’s seen thicker in “The Old Country”

March 27th 1883
Awoke to clear blue skies once more. Set off with a degree of urgency for supplies are running low. The d**n fool Askari leading the way blundered straight into a fast flowing stream. He was swept away taking one of his fellows with him.
Tweakers plunged into the flow to affect a rescue but was swept off too. Fortunately Flaherty managed to grab him by the monocle and haul him to safety.
The stream led to a large river heading southwards which we followed for the rest of the day.
Camp was a damp and sombre affair, though I did lose half a crown to Tweakers in a game of Happy Families.

March 28th 1883
We followed the river south as I know Tomsville cannot be far. As we broke camp I stubbed my toe on a shiny lump of metallic ore. Tweakers says it’s valuable, but I can’t believe him, but we took a lump to be sure.
Around midday the river turned eastwards, but we left it as we are almost without food.
Dinner tonight was thin pickings indeed. Tweakers commenced to snore most wretchedly.

March 29th 1883.
Our final destination cannot be far, this jungle seems familiar to my trained eye.
Savages appeared mid-morning and tracked us for some hours, but made no threat so we ignored them and marched on.
Late in the afternoon Tweakers let out a cry and began to scrabble in the earth. Enlisting the help of Flaherty he presently extracted a large bone of some sort. I believe it to be from some sort of Thunder Lizard, which I shall be proud to name the Ballroomasaur.
No food when we made camp tonight. Tweakers made quite an unmanly fuss I felt.
A brief headcount and we realised we were a bearer short. The Askari said he’d fallen aside weak with lack of sustenance and we’d left him to die.  I do wish we’d taken the gold he was carrying from him.

March 30th 1883
An uneventful March saw us return in triumph to Tomsville.
Some d**ned bonedoctor said the Ballroomasaurus bone was already known to him, so I couldn’t thus name it. He did however pay handsomely for the item.
The mineral deposits and whereabouts of the lost ruins also bought reward, but more importantly the name of Ballroom will be spread far and wide across the Empire!
I have already plans afoot to venture further into the jungle but for now I just want to see my beloved Binky once again.
God Save the Queen!