midday
In certain places , the soil transformed itself into thick jungles , in which the convoy disappeared . Of all the animals of the country , the elephants and giraffes alone were taller than those reeds which resemble bamboos , those herbs , the stalks of which measure an inch in diameter . The agents must know the country marvelously well , not to be lost in these jungles . Each day the caravan set out at daybreak , and only halted at midday for an hour . Some packs containing tapioca were then opened , and this food was parsimoniously distributed to the slaves . To this potatoes were added , or goat 's meat and veal , when the soldiers had pillaged some village in passing . But the fatigue had been such , the repose so insufficient , so impossible even during these rainy nights , that when the hour for the distribution of food arrived the prisoners could hardly eat .