1865-66.] FROM ENGLAND TO ZANZIBAR. 365 



her I dedicated to the great object for which she was 

 built. I am satisfied at having made the effort ; would 

 of course have preferred to have succeeded, but we are 

 not responsible for results." In reference to the invest- 

 ment of the money, it was intended ultimately to be sunk 

 in Government or railway securities ; but meanwhile, he 

 had been recommended to invest it in shares of an Indian 

 bank. Most unfortunately, the bank failed a year or two 

 afterwards ; and thus the whole of the £6000, which 

 the vessel had cost Livingstone, vanished into air. 



His little daughter Anna Mary had a good share of 

 his attention at Bombay : — 



" iWh December 1865. — I went last night to take tea in the house 

 of a Hindoo gentleman who is not a professed Christian. It was a 

 great matter for such to eat with men not of his caste. Most Hindoos 

 would shrink with horror from contact with us. Seven little girls 

 were present, belonging to two Hindoo families. They were from four 

 or five to eight years old. They were very pleasant-looking, of olive 

 complexions. Their hair was tied in a knot behind, with a wreath of 

 flowers round the knot ; they had large gold ear-rings and European 

 dresses. One played very nicely on the piano, while the rest sang 

 very nicely a funny song, which shows the native way of thinking 

 about some of our customs. They sang some nice hymns, and repeated 

 some pieces, as the ' Wreck of the Hesperus,' which was given at the 

 examination of Oswell's school. Then all sung, 'There is a happy 

 land, far, far away,' and it, with some of the Christian hymns, was 

 beautiful. They speak English perfectly, but with a little foreign 

 twang. All joined in a metrical prayer before retiring. They have 

 been taught all by their father, and it was very pleasant to see that 

 this teaching had brought out their natural cheerfulness. Native 

 children don't look lively, but these were brimful of fun. One not 

 quite as tall as yourself brought a child's book to me, and with great 

 glee pointed out myself under the lion. She can read fluently, as I 

 suppose you can by this time now. I said that I would like a little 

 girl like her to go with me to Africa to sing these pretty hymns to me 

 there. She said she would like to go, but should not like to have a 

 black husband. This is Christmas season, and to-morrow is held as 

 the day in which our Lord was born, an event which angels made 

 known to men, and it brought great joy, and proclaimed peace on 

 earth and good-will to men. That Saviour must be your friend, and 

 He will be if you ask Him so to be. He will forgive and save you, 

 and take you into His family." 



