so that they not only allowed him to pass on,
but supplied him with provisions. But there were some memorable
occasions on which he and his company appeared to be doomed. When he
passed through the Chiboque country, the provisions were absolutely
spent; there was no resource but to kill a riding-ox, a part of which,
according to custom, was sent to the chief. Next day was Sunday. After
service the chief sent an impudent message demanding much more valuable
presents. His people collected round Livingstone, brandishing their
weapons, and one young man all but brought down his sword on his head.
It seemed impossible to avoid a fight; yet Livingstone's management
prevailed--the threatened storm passed away.

Some days after, in passing through a forest in the dominions of another
chief, he and his people were in momentary expectation of an attack.
They went to the chiefs village and spoke to the man himself; and here,
on a Sunday, while ill of fever, Livingstone was able to effect a
temporary settlement. The chief sent them some food; then yams, a goat,
fowl, and meat. Livingstone gave him a shawl, and two bunches of beads,
and he seemed pleased. During these exciting scenes he felt no fever;
but when they were over the constant wettings made him experience a sore
sense of sinking, and this Sunday was a day "of perfect uselessness."
Monday came, and while Livingstone was as low as possible, the
inexorable chief renewed his demands. "It was," he says, "a day
of torture."

"After talking nearly the whole day we gave the old chief an
ox, but he would not take it, but another. I was grieved
exceedingly to find that our people had become quite
disheartened, and all resolved to return home. All I can say
has no effect. I can only look up to God to influence their
minds, that the enterprise fail not, now that we have reached
the very threshold of the Portuguese settlements. I am
greatly distressed at this change, for what else can be done
for this miserable land I do not see. It is shut. O Almighty
God, help, help! and leave not this wretched people to the
slave-dealer and Satan. The people have done well hitherto, I
see God's good influence in it. Hope He has left only for a
little season. No land needs the gospel more than this
miserable portion. I hope I am not to be left to fail in
introducing it."

On Wednesday morning, however, final arrangements