by proceeding
along the lake, and landing at a spot on its borders nearest the
village, which we thought we could then reach in a few hours' march.
Stanley had no objection to our going, provided we did not remain away
more than three or four days. Mango was to accompany us as interpreter.
From the experience we had had of the natives, we hoped that the
garrison, though thus decreased, was still sufficient for the protection
of our fortress, especially as the lions and leopards had for some time
kept at a distance, finding out, probably, that we possessed ample means
for their destruction. It is extraordinary what instinct wild animals
exhibit, and how soon they desert a neighbourhood where they are
frequently attacked. It is said that even hippopotami and crocodiles
become more wary after being hunted; and though in the wilder districts
they come out fearlessly to feed or to bask on the sandbanks, when
hunters come to the neighbourhood they learn to conceal themselves in
their watery retreats, and will only show their nostrils and eyes above
the surface, keeping always in the most secluded parts.

The boys were greatly pleased at being allowed to take the proposed
expedition. They made wallets to carry their food at their backs, and
the articles they proposed to present to the natives, or to exchange for
meat and other provisions should we not be able to supply ourselves.
The village we were to visit, we learned from Igubo, was called Kabomba,
and he seemed to consider it a very important place. To be sure, as Leo
observed, he had never been in London, or even at Cape Town, so it was
not surprising that he should look upon it with respect.

Our preparations were soon completed. Igubo gave his son charge to
behave well, and to bring no discredit upon his white friends. Kate
urged us all to take care of ourselves, and not to run into unnecessary
danger. The whole party accompanied us down to the canoe. We had
chosen the _Gazelle_, as the best of the two. As the wind was fair, we
hoisted our sail and steered merrily down the river towards the lake.
We had no difficulty, as we passed along, in supplying ourselves with
food. Wild ducks of all sorts abounded. Among them were numbers of the
Egyptian goose. We saw several of them ahead, and made chase. Being
heavy of wing, we found they could not rise out of the water, and we
caught four or five with our hands as we passed by. A little further on
we neared a ba