1873.] SOME WORDS IN EXPLANATION. 309 



Ms last six years' wanderings ; in fact from the first moment 

 of the news arriving in England, it was felt to be indis- 

 pensable that they should come home to state what occurred. 

 ******* 



The men have much to consider as they cower around 

 the watch-fire, and little time for deliberation. They are 

 at their furthest point from home and their leader has 

 fallen at their head ; we shall see presently how they 

 faced their difficulties. 



***** 



Several inquiries will naturally arise on reading this dis- 

 tressing history ; the foremost, perhaps, will be with regard 

 to the entire absence of everything like a parting word to 

 those immediately about him, or a farewell line to his family 

 and friends at home. It must be very evident to the reader 

 that Livingstone entertained very grave forebodings about 

 his health during the last two years of his life, but it is not 

 clear that he realized the near approach of death when his 

 malady suddenly passed into a more dangerous stage. 



It may be said, " Why did he not take some precautions 

 or give some strict injunctions to his men to preserve his 

 note-books and maps, at all hazards, in the event of his 

 decease? Did not his great ruling passion suggest some 

 such precaution ? " 



Fair questions, but, reader, you have all — every word 

 written, spoken, or implied. 



Is there, then, no explanation? Yes; we think past 

 experience affords it, and it is offered to you by one who 

 remembers moreover how Livingstone himself used to point 

 out to him in Africa the peculiar features of death by 

 malarial poisoning. 



In full recollection of eight deaths in the Zambesi and 

 Shire districts, not a single parting word or direction in any 

 instance can be recalled. Neither hope nor courage give 

 way as death approaches. In most cases a comatose state of 



