1852-53-] FROM THE CAPE TO LINYANTI. 141 



present. They asked after the gun-medicine, believing that now my 

 heart would be warm enough to tell them anything, but I could not 

 tell them a lie. I offered to show Sekeletu how to shoot, and that 

 was all the medicine I knew. I felt as if I should have been more 

 pleased had George been amassing ivory than I. Yet this may be an 

 indispensable step in the progress towards opening the west. I must 

 have funds ; and here they come pouring in. It would be impossible 

 to overlook His providence who has touched their hearts. I have 

 used no undue influence. Indeed I have used none directly for the 

 purpose. Kindness shown has been appreciated here, while much 

 greater kindness shown to tribes in the south has resulted in a belief 

 we missionaries must be fools. I do thank my God sincerely for His 

 favour, and my hearty prayer is that He may continue it, and make 

 whatever use He pleases of me, and may He have mercy on this 

 f»eople !" 



Dr. Livingstone was careful to guard against the 

 supposition that he allowed Sekeletu to enrich him with- 

 out recompence, and in his Journal he sets down a list of 

 the various articles presented by himself to the chief, 

 including three goats, some fowls, powder, wire, flints, 

 percussion caps, an umbrella and a hat, the value of the 

 whole being £31, 16s. When Sekeletu knew Dr. Living- 

 stone's plans, he undertook that he should be provided 

 with all requisites for his journey. But he was most 

 anxious to retain him, and for some time would not let 

 him go. Livingstone had fascinated him. Sekeletu said 

 that he had found a new father. And Livingstone 

 pondered the possibility of establishing a station here. 

 But the fever, the fever ! could he bring his family ? He 

 must pass on and look for a healthier spot. His desire 

 was to proceed to the country of the Barotse. At length, 

 on the 1 6th June, Sekeletu gives his answer : — 



" The chief has acceded to my request to proceed to Barotse and 

 see the country. I told him my heart was sore, because having left 

 my family to explore his land, and, if possible, find a suitable location 

 for a mission, I could not succeed, because detained by him here. He 

 says he will take me with him. He does not like to part with me at 

 all. He is obliged to consult with those who gave their opinion 

 against my leaving. But it is certain I am permitted to go. Thanks 

 be to God for influencing their hearts ! " 



