HOME AT LAST. 291 



would seem to strike the very bottom of the sea, while the wild 

 breakers swept over them, making even the stout hearts of old 

 seamen tremble. The experience of the sea was new to Sek- 

 webu, and he looked at his friend and inquired anxiously, " Is 

 this the way you go ? is this the way you go ? " The smile of 

 Livingstone encouraged him and quieted his fears. At the 

 ship's side the landsmen had to be lifted in as ladies usually 

 are. But once on board they were at home. The hearty 

 English welcome filled the soul of Dr. Livingstone with inex- 

 pressible gladness. But he had almost lost command of his 

 native tongue. Sekwebu became a great favorite with all on 

 board. But the poor fellow was perplexed ; there was too great 

 a strain on his untutored mind. When he had picked up a 

 little English, he would frequently say to his " father " : " Your 

 countrymen are very agreeable ; but what a strange country is 

 this — all water together ! " Before they reached Mauritius the 

 faithful man became insane and cast himself into the sea, and 

 could never be found afterward. After a delay of two months 

 at Mauritius for the recovery of his health, Livingstone reached 

 the shores of his "dear old England" on the 12th of De- 

 cember. 



"Who shall follow him and violate with curious gaze the 

 sacredness of the joyful meeting with his wife and children, and 

 tell how fondly he clasped an aged mother in his manly arms, 

 and how she thanked God that her " boy " was back again ? 

 And who shall interview the memories which crowded about 

 him as he walked by the banks of the Clyde ? 



It is our business, though, that all England gave him wel- 

 come ; that the news of his return was hailed with gratitude by 

 thousands who had followed him with their prayers. 



Men of science, statesmen and Christians, cherishing each 

 their different interests, accounted him their friend and helper. 

 The church and government and societies vied with each other 

 in doing him honor. He was concerned only that societies and 

 government and church should love his work and lend it their 

 support. 



