160 DAVID LIVINGSTONE. [chap. vm. 



the provisions were absolutely spent ; there was no re- 

 source but to kill a riding-ox, a part of which, according to 

 custom, was sent to the chief. Next day was Sunday. 

 After service the chief sent an impudent message de- 

 manding much more valuable presents. His people 

 collected round Livingstone, brandishing their weapons, 

 and one young man all but brought down his sword on 

 his head. It seemed impossible to avoid a fight ; yet 

 Livingstone's management prevailed — the threatened 

 storm passed away. 



Some days after, in passing through a forest in the 

 dominions of another chief, he and his people were in 

 momentary expectation of an attack. They went to the 

 chief's village and spoke to the man himself; and here, 

 on a Sunday, while ill of fever, Livingstone was able to 

 effect a temporary settlement. The chief sent them 

 some food ; then yams, a goat, fowl, and meat. Living- 

 stone gave him a shawl and two bunches of beads, and 

 he seemed pleased. During these exciting scenes, 

 he felt no fever ; but when they were over, the constant 

 wettings made him experience a sore sense of sinking, 

 and this Sunday was a day "of perfect uselessness." 

 Monday came, and while Livingstone was as low as 

 possible, the inexorable chief renewed his demands. " It 

 was," he says, " a day of torture." 



" After talking nearly the whole day we gave the old chief an ox, 

 but he would not take it hut another. I was grieved exceedingly to 

 find that our people had become quite disheartened, and all resolved 

 to return home. All I can say has no effect. I can only look up to 

 God to influence their minds, that the enterprise fail not, now that we 

 have reached the very threshold of the Portuguese settlements. I am 

 greatly distressed at this change, for what else can be done for this 

 miserable land I do not see. It is shut. Almighty God, help, help ! 

 and leave not this wretched people to the slave-dealer and Satan. 

 The people have done well hitherto, I see God's good influence in it. 

 Hope He has left only for a little season. No land needs the gospel 

 more than this miserable portion. I hope I am not to be left to fail 

 in introducing it." 



