our camp, and march S.E. for two
hours to a strong deep rivulet ten feet broad only, but waist deep, and
150 yards of flood all deep too. Sponge about forty yards in all, and
running fast out. Camped by a broad prairie or Bouga.

_29th January, 1873._--No rain in the night, for a wonder. We tramped
1-1/4 hour to a broad sponge, having at least 300 yards of flood, and
clear water flowing S.W., but no usual stream. All was stream flowing
through the rushes, knee and thigh deep. On still with the same,
repeated again and again, till we came to broad branching sponges, at
which I resolved to send out scouts S., S.E., and S.W. The music of the
singing birds, the music of the turtle doves, the screaming of the
frankolin proclaim man to be near.

_30th January, 1873._--Remain waiting for the scouts. Manuasera returned
at dark, having gone about eight hours south, and seen the Lake and two
islets. Smoke now appeared in the distance, so he turned, and the rest
went on to buy food where the smoke was. Wet evening.

FOOTNOTES:

[26] Bange or hemp in time produces partial idiotcy if smoked in
excess. It is used amongst all the Interior tribes.

[27] Isaiah i. 8.

CHAPTER XI.

Entangled amongst the marshes of Bangweolo. Great privations.
Obliged to return to Chitunkue's. At the chief's mercy.
Agreeably surprised with the chief. Start once more. Very
difficult march. Robbery exposed. Fresh attack of illness. Sends
scouts out to find villages. Message to Chirubwe. An ant raid.
Awaits news from Matipa. Distressing perplexity. The Bougas of
Bangweolo. Constant rain above and flood below. Ill. Susi and
Chuma sent as envoys to Matipa. Reach Bangweolo. Arrive at
Matipa's islet. Matipa's town. The donkey suffers in transit.
Tries to go on to Kabinga's. Dr. Livingstone makes a
demonstration. Solution of the transport difficulty. Susi and
detachment sent to Kabinga's. Extraordinary extent of flood.
Reaches Kabinga's. An upset. Crosses the Chambeze. The River
Muanakazi. They separate into companies by land and water. A
disconsolate lion. Singular caterpillars. Observations on fish.
Coasting along the southern flood of Lake Bangweolo. Dangerous
state of Dr. Livingstone.

_1st February, 1873._--Waiting for the scouts. They return
unsuccessful--forced to do so by hunger. They saw a very large river
flowing into the Lake, but did not come across a single soul. K