A CRUISE ON THE LAKE. 699 



cruise on the lake, a charming excursion in the estimation of 

 the old traveller who had been so long plodding about the 

 country on foot. Gliding along on the silvery surface, sur- 

 rounded by splendid scenery, hardly seemed to him like 

 exploring. The principal object, however, was to settle the 

 question of a northern outlet. It had been a favorite theory, 

 that there was probably a connecting link between the Tangan- 

 yika and the Albert N'Yanza of Baker. If this was correct, it 

 was very important that it be known to be so ; if it was not 

 correct, the world was equally anxious to know it. Like many 

 a pet theory, this one vanished when the touchstone of actual 

 observation was applied. The rivers all were found flowing 

 into Tanganyika. Nothing was found out which afforded any 

 satisfaction so far as the possible importance of this great inland 

 sea in connection with the wonderful river of Egypt. The 

 travellers had the pleasure of following the coast around for 

 many miles, diving in and out of innumerable rivers and creeks, 

 sailing under the shadow of towering cliffs and by beautiful 

 banks stretching away in lawn-like beauty. Several times they 

 were in danger of being forced to defend themselves with their 

 guns against presumptuous savages. They both enjoyed it 

 exceedingly. To Dr. Livingstone it was a grand picnic. When 

 they returned to Ujiji Dr. Livingstone began the preparation of 

 letters to be committed to the hands of Mr. Stanley, and Mr. 

 Stanley took fever — one was quite as natural as the other. 

 Christmas came, and it was resolved to observe the day with 

 the time-honored custom of a feast. What a contrast was 

 promised to many of the Christmas days which the doctor could 

 remember ! There were fat broad-tail sheep, goats, zogga and 

 pombe, eggs, fresh milk, plantains, sengwe, fine corn flour, 

 fish, onions, sweet potatoes. But alas ! Ferajji spoiled the 

 roast, and the custard was burned. 



Dr. Livingstone had decided to accompany Mr. Stanley as 

 far as U nyanyembe, where he hoped he would find goods, and 

 where he proposed to remaiu until reliable men could be sent 

 him from Zanzibar, with whom to renew his efforts to solve the 

 Nile problem. To all of Mr. Stanley's arguments about going 

 home he replied: "No. I should like to see my family very 

 much indeed ; my children's letters affect me intensely; but I 

 must not go home ; I must finish my task." 



