314 LIVINGSTONE'S LAST JOURNALS. [Chap. XII. 



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 home io 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. Chumah set off to see Chitambo, 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. Ap- 

 pealing to Chumah, he said, " Why did you not tell me the 

 truth ? I know that your master died last night. You 

 were afraid to let me knoAV, but do not fear any longer. I, 

 too, have travelled, and more than once have been to Bwani 

 (the Coast), before the country on the road was destroyed 

 by the Mazitu. I know that you have no bad motives in 

 coming to our land, and death often happens to travellers 

 in their journeys." Eeassured by this speech, they told 

 him of their intention to prepare the body and to take it 

 with them. He, however, said it would be far better to bury 

 it there, for they were undertaking an impossible task ; but 

 they held to their resolution. The corpse was conveyed to 

 the new hut the same day on the kitanda carefully covered 

 with cloth and a blanket. 



2nd May, 1873. — -The next morning Susi paid a visit to 

 Chitambo, making him a handsome present and receiving 

 in return a kind welcome. It is only right to add, that the 

 men speak on all occasions with gratitude of Chitambo's 

 conduct throughout, and say that he is a fine generous 

 fellow. Following out his suggestion, it was agreed that all 



