"the meeting." 697 



Both the men then replaced their hats and grasped hands. 

 There were few words. 



"I thank God, doctor, that I have been permitted to 

 see you." 



" I feel very thankful that I am here to welcome you." 



The introduction was finished, the acquaintance was formed; 

 and the old man introduced his new friend to the Arab digni- 

 taries by name, and led the way to the broad verandah of his 

 house. They were soon seated — the two men — side by side, 

 with their backs to the wall of the house, engaged in earnest 

 conversation ; and it was not long before Mr. Stanley found 

 himself enacting the part of a regular periodical. Referring to 

 this conversation, the doctor says : 



" The news he had to tell to one who had been two full years 

 without any tidings from Europe made my whole frame thrill. 

 The terrible fate that had befallen France, the telegraphic 

 cables successfully laid in the Atlantic, the election of General 

 Grant, the death of good Lord Clarendon, my constant friend ; 

 the proof that Her Majesty's Government had not forgotten me, 

 in voting £1000 for supplies, and many other points of interest, 

 revived emotions that had lain dormant in Manyuema." 



We cannot follow the conversation. The man who was 

 telling the news was accustomed to that sort of thing, and the 

 listener heard with unspeakable delight. It was like coming 

 back to earth from the grave. 



After a while the Arabs left, and very soon there came back 

 very nice, savory dishes from their majesties, and a royal 

 dinner was spread ; but the dinner did not interrupt the conver- 

 sation — eating and talking, and talking and eating, the time 

 passed rapidly away. It was late before the gentlemen parted 

 — Mr. Stanley to review his success in joyous dreams, and Dr. 

 Livingstone to read his letters. Up to that time Mr. Stanley 

 had withholden the nature of his mission. The next morning, 

 when they met, he opened the conversation by saying : 



"Now, doctor, you are probably wondering why I came 

 here." 



" It is true," said the doctor, " I have been wondering. I 

 thought you, at first, to be an emissary of the French Govern- 

 ment in the place of Lieutenant Le Saint, who died a few miles 



