1873.] THE LAST BIRTHDAY. 287 



lions have occurred they ought to have made me of a patient 

 spirit. 



As I thought, Matipa told us to-day that it is reported he 

 has some Arabs with him who will attack all the Lake 

 people forthwith, and he is anxious that we shall go over to 

 show them that we are peaceful. 



18^ March. — Sent off men to reconnoitre at Kabinga's and 

 to make a camp there. Eain began again after nine days' 

 dry weather, N.W. wind, but in the morning fleecy clouds 

 came from S.E. in patches. Matipa is acting the villain, 

 and my men are afraid of him : they are all cowards, and 

 say that they are afraid of me, but this is only an excuse for 

 their cowardice. 



19^/i March. — Thanks to the Almighty Preserver of men 

 for sparing me thus far on the journey of life. Can I hope 

 for ultimate success ? So many obstacles have arisen. Let 

 not Satan prevail over me, Oh ! my good Lord Jesus.* 



8 a.m. Got about twenty people off to canoes. Matipa not 

 friendly. They go over to Kabinga on S.W. side of the 

 Chambeze, and thence we go overland. 9 a.m. Men came 

 back and reported Matipa false again ; only one canoe had 

 come. I made a demonstration by taking quiet possession 

 of his village and house ; fired a pistol through the roof and 

 called my men, ten being left to guard the camp ; Matipa 

 fled to another village. The people sent off at once and 

 brought three canoes, so at 11 A.M. my men embarked 

 quietly. They go across the Chambeze and build a camp 

 on its left bank. All Kabinga's cattle are kept on an 

 island called Ivalilo, near the mouth of the Chambeze, and 

 are perfectly wild : they are driven into the water like 

 buffaloes, and pursued when one is wanted for meat. No 

 milk is ever obtained of course. 



20th March. — Cold N.W. weather, but the rainfall is small, 



This was written on his last birthday. — Ed. 



