20th February, 1873._--I sent a request to a friendly man to give me
men, and a large canoe to go myself to Matipa; he says that he will let
me know to-day if he can. Heavy rain by night and drizzling by day. No
definite answer yet, but we are getting food, and Matipa will soon hear
of us as he did when we came and returned back for food. I engaged
another man to send a canoe to Matipa, and I showed him his payment, but
retain it here till he comes back.

_21st February, 1873._--The men engaged refuse to go to Matipa's, they
have no honour. It is so wet we can do nothing. Another man spoken to
about going, says that they run the risk of being killed by some hostile
people on another island between this and Matipa's.

_22nd February, 1873._--A wet morning. I was ill all yesterday, but
escape fever by haemorrhage. A heavy mantle of N.W. clouds came floating
over us daily. No astronomical observation can possibly be taken. I was
never in such misty cloudy weather in Africa. A man turned up at 9 A.M.
to carry our message to Matipa; Susi and Chumah went with him. The good
Lord go with them, and lend me influence and grant me help.

_23rd February, 1873, Sunday._--Service. Rainy.

_24th February, 1873._--Tried hard for a lunar, but the moon was lost in
the glare of the sun.

_25th February, 1873._--For a wonder it did not rain till 4 P.M. The
people bring food, but hold out for cloth, which is inconvenient.

Susi and Chumah not appearing may mean that the men are preparing canoes
and food to transport us.

_25th February, 1873._--Susi returned this morning with good news from
Matipa, who declares his willingness to carry us to Kabende for the five
bundles of brass wire I offered. It is not on Chirube, but amid the
swamps of the mainland on the Lake's north side. Immense swampy plains
all around except at Kabende. Matipa is at variance with his brothers on
the subject of the lordship of the lands and the produce of the
elephants, which are very numerous. I am devoutly thankful to the Giver
of all for favouring me so far, and hope that He may continue His kind
aid.

No mosquitoes here, though Speke, at the Victoria Nyanza, said they
covered the bushes and grass in myriads, and struck against the hands
and face most disagreeably.

_27th February, 1873._--Waiting for other canoes to be sent by Matipa.
His men say that there is but one large river on the south of Lake
Bangweolo, and called Luomba. They know the mountains