276 In the Heart of Africa 



foam, A small black cloud on the horizon indicated the 

 approach of the Mandingo. 



We were soon alongside the fine vessel, just as she was letting 

 her anchor drop. In a rolling sea the Mandingo took us and 

 our impedimenta aboard, and, weighing anchor again, stood 

 out towards the north. The Wall dipped her flag in a farewell 

 salute whilst the flag of my native country was hoisted at our 

 peak. 



We stayed a brief period at the Cameroons, and paid a day's 

 visit to Lome, the capital of Togo, but the expedition's explora- 

 tion work was completed. Time will never efface the impressions 

 we had received. We had roamed over sun-scorched steppes 

 and through boundless primeval forests ; passed over four 

 immense lakes and snow-capped mountains, and had gathered 

 a rich store of memorable experiences indeed. We were return- 

 ing home buoyed up with the knowledge of having done our 

 duty, and having assisted, as far as in us lay, in the unravelling 

 of many important scientific problems. 



