1847-52.] THIRD STATION. 93 



himself to the risk of such animals on this missionary 

 tour was none the less that he himself says not a word 

 regarding it ; but such courage was constantly shown by 

 him. The following instances are given on the authority 

 of Dr. Moffat as samples of what was habitual to Dr. 

 Livingstone in the performance of his duty. 



In going through a wood, a party of hunters were 

 startled by the appearance of a black rhinoceros. The 

 furious beast dashed at the wagon, and drove his horn 

 into the bowels of the driver, inflicting a frightful wound. 

 A messenger was despatched in the greatest haste for 

 Dr. Livingstone, whose house was eight or ten miles 

 distant. The messenger in his eagerness ran the 

 whole way. Livingstone's friends were horror-struck at 

 the idea of his riding through that wood at night, exposed 

 to the rhinoceros and other deadly beasts. " No, no ; 

 you must not think of it, Livingstone ; it is certain 

 death." Livingstone believed it was a Christian duty to 

 try to save the poor fellow's life, and he resolved to go, 

 happen what might. Mounting his horse, he rode to 

 the scene of the accident. The man had died, and the 

 wagon had left, so that there was nothing for Living- 

 stone but to return and run the risk of the forest anew, 

 without even the hope that he might be useful in saving 

 life. 



Another time, when he and a brother missionary 

 were on a tour a long way from home, a messenger 

 came to tell his companion, that one of his children was 

 alarmingly ill. It was but natural for him to desire 

 Livingstone to go back with him. The way lay over a 

 road infested by lions. Livingstone's life would be in 

 danger; moreover, as we have seen, he was intensely 

 desirous to examine the fossil bones at the place. But 

 when his friend expressed the desire for him to go, he 

 went without hesitation. His firm belief in Providence 

 sustained him in these as in so many other dangers. 



