i860.] GOING HOME WITH THE MAKOIOLO. 269 



Kongone, 10th March 1860, that he is sending Rae home 

 for a vessel : — 



" I tell Lord John Eussell that he (Rae) may thereby do us more ser- 

 vice than he can now do in a worn-out steamer, with 35 patches, cover- 

 ing at least 100 holes. I say to his Lordship, that after we have, by 

 patient investigation and experiment, at the risk of life, rendered the 

 fever not more formidable than a common cold ; found access, from a 

 good harbour on the coast, to the main stream ; and discovered a path- 

 way into the magnificent Highland lake region, which promises so 

 fairly for our commerce in cotton, and for our policy in suppressing 

 the trade in slaves, I earnestly hope that he will crown our efforts by 

 securing our free passage through those parts of the Zambesi and Shire 

 of which the Portuguese make no use, and by enabling us to introduce 

 civilisation in a manner which will extend the honour and influence 

 of the English name." 



In his communications with the Government at home, 

 Livingstone never failed to urge the importance of their 

 securing the free navigation of the Zambesi. The Por- 

 tuguese on the river were now beginning to get an 

 inkling of his drift, and to feel indignant at any counten- 

 ance he was receiving from their own Government. 



Passing up the Zambesi with Charles Livingstone, 

 Dr. Kirk, and such of the Makololo as were willing to 

 go home, Dr. Livingstone took a new look at Kebrabasa, 

 from a different point, still believing that in flood it would 

 allow a steamer to pass. Of his mode of travelling we 

 have some pleasant glimpses. He always tried to make 

 progress more a pleasure than a toil, and found that 

 kindly consideration for the feelings even of blacks, the 

 pleasure of observing scenery and everything new, as 

 one moves on at an ordinary pace, and the participation 

 in the most delightful rest with his fellows, made travel- 

 ling delightful. He was gratified to find that he was as 

 able for the fatigue as the natives. Even the headman, 

 who carried little more than he did himself, and never, 

 like him, hunted in the afternoon, was not equal to him. 

 The hunting was no small addition to the toil ; the tired 

 hunter was often tempted to give it up, after bringing 



