SUSI AND CHUMA. 753 



selves to be still able to haunt and destroy, as war comes or an 

 accident happens. 



On this account it is not to be wondered at that chief and 

 people make common cause against those who wander through 

 their territory, and have the misfortune to lose one of their 

 party by death. Who is to tell the consequences? Such occur- 

 rences are looked on as most serious offences, and the men 

 regarded their position with no small apprehension. 



Calling the whole party together, Susi and Chuma placed 

 the state of affairs before them, and asked what should be done. 

 They received a reply from those whom Mr. Stanley had en- 

 gaged for Dr. Livingstone, which was hearty and unanimous. 

 "You," said they, "are old men in travelling and in hardships; 

 you must act as our chiefs, and we will promise to obey what- 

 ever you order us to do." From this moment we may look on 

 Susi and Chuma as the captains of the caravan. To their 

 knowledge of the country, of the tribes through which they 

 were to pass, but, above all, to the sense of discipline and cohe- 

 sion which was maintained throughout, their safe return to 

 Zanzibar at the head of their men must, under God's good 

 guidance, be mainly attributed. 



All agreed that Chitambo ought to be kept in ignorance of 

 Dr. Livingstone's decease, or otherwise a fine so heavy would be 

 inflicted upon them as compensation for damage done that their 

 means would be crippled, and they could hardly expect to pay 

 their way to the coast. It was decided that, come what might, 

 the body must be borne to Zanzibar. It was also arranged to 

 take it secretly, if possible, to a hut at some distance off, where 

 the necessary preparations could be carried out, and for this 

 purpose some men were now despatched with axes to cut wood, 

 whilst others went to collect grass. Chuma set off to see Chi- 

 tambo, and said that they wanted to build a place outside the 

 village, if he would allow it, for they did not like living amongst 

 the huts. His consent was willingly given. 



Later on in the day two of the men went to the people to buy 

 food, and divulged the secret: the chief was at once informed 

 of what had happened, and started for the spot on which the 

 new buildings were being set up. Appealing to Chuma, he 

 said, "Why did you not tell me the truth? I know that your 



