Chap. XXI. SAIL FOR JOHANNA. 427 



good care of everything. We felt sorry for the poor fellow, 

 but, as we could not get up the river, we had to put him on 

 board the first man-of-war we were able. Those who have 

 never acquired the intense craving for stimulants that these 

 men feel, can scarcely realize the force of the temptation 

 they have to resist. In the words of the Scotch toper — " We 

 know about the drinking, but nothing of the drouth." 



By the time everything had been placed on board the 

 Lady Nyassa, the waters of the Zambesi and the Shire had 

 fallen so low that it was useless to attempt taking her up 

 to the cataracts before the rains in December. Draught 

 oxen and provisions also were required, and could not be 

 obtained nearer than the Island of Johanna. The Portuguese, 

 without refusing positively to let trade enter the Zambesi, 

 threw impediments in the way; they only wanted a small 

 duty ! They were about to establish a river police, and re- 

 arrange the Crown lands, which have long since become 

 Zulu lands ; meanwhile they were making the Zambesi, by 

 slaving, of no value to any one. 



The Rovuma, which was reported to come from Lake Nyassa, 

 being out of their claims and a free river, we determined to 

 explore it in our boats immediately on our return from 

 Johanna, for which place after some delay at the Kongone, 

 in repairing engines, paddle-wheel, and rudder, we sailed 

 on the 6th of August. A store of naval provisions had been 

 formed on a hulk in Pomone Bay of that island for the 

 supply of the cruisers, and was in charge of Mr. Sunley, the 

 Consul, from whom we always received the kindest attentions 

 and assistance. He now obliged us by parting with six oxen, 

 trained for his own use in sugar-making. Though sadly 

 hampered in his undertaking by being obliged to employ slave 

 labour, he has by indomitable energy overcome obstacles under 

 which most persons would have sunk. He has done all that 



