o. "The food on which he has been living probably has not
suited him," I thought; "and when he is placed under David's care, he
may begin to improve." This hope prevented my spirits sinking, as they
would otherwise have done. We told the Kabomba people that we were
anxious to return immediately to our friends; and as I saw that it would
be dangerous for Natty to ride behind one of us, as we had proposed, I
begged the chief to allow some of his young men to carry him. To this
he agreed; and forthwith I set to work, aided by Timbo, to form a
litter. There were plenty of bamboos in the neighbourhood, and with
these we constructed a light and very convenient conveyance, with a
roof, back, and sides. The greater part was formed of bamboo, and
matting served as a cover to keep off the sun's rays in the day-time,
and the damp at night. We then had to train some bearers; for the
people were unaccustomed to bear loads in the way a litter must be
carried. Timbo employed his time, when not assisting me, in addressing
his countrymen. When I asked him if he had succeeded in impressing on
their minds any gospel truths--"Yes," he said; "I sow leetle seed, but
it grow up and bear fruit some of dese days. No fear; dat seed I sow
nebber rot."

Among the inhabitants of the village I recognised my three faithless
attendants. The chief expressed himself very much ashamed at their
having deserted me. They excused themselves by saying that they thought
I had been made prisoner, and that they had run away to avoid sharing my
fate. I replied that I was _very_ glad they had got home safely, and
that I harboured no ill-will towards them.

"I tell dem dat Christians ought to do good to deir enemies, so dey
understand why you no beg de chief to kill dem," observed Timbo.

At break of day we commenced our return journey. Our style of
travelling was very different from what it had been during my former
adventures. We had bearers for Natty, and also a party of armed men
with shields and spears as a body-guard, and others carrying provisions,
while we ourselves were mounted on strong steeds. For most of the time
I rode near Natty, anxious to keep up his spirits. Now and then Timbo
took my place. Stanley generally rode ahead; as, however, we had to
proceed slowly, he frequently started off with the dogs to get some
sport. He was, as usual, successful, and kept our pots well supplied.
I told him he must look out, and not be caught by