14 LECTURE I. 



of the country, and having made known to my friend the 

 chief my desire to have a path for civilization and com- 

 merce on the east, he again furnished me with means to 

 pursue my researches eastward ; and, to shew how disposed 

 the natives were to aid me in my expedition, I had 114 

 men to accompany me to the east, whilst those who had 

 travelled to the west with me only amounted to 27 l . 



1 There is something really affecting in the manner how this wonderful 

 man attached these savages to himself. It must be remembered, too, 

 that the Makololo are justly regarded with dread by their neighbours as 

 incurable marauders. At any rate this spectacle shews what kindness, 

 tact and firmness will do. His service is now so popular, that he gets 

 one hundred and fourteen volunteers to accompany him in his second 

 journey. These, like the others, belong to different tribes. On several 

 occasions, " when before the enemy," they behaved with temper and 

 courage. Their general conduct was good, though there were some 

 black sheep among them. One hundred and thirteen of these are now 

 awaiting our traveller's return at Tete\ The Portuguese commandant 

 there, Major Sicard, gave them land to till, food, clothing, and permis- 

 sion to hunt elephants. He writes to England to say that they killed 

 four in two months. 



The Doctor tried to bring to England one remarkable man, Sekwebu, 

 his interpreter and chief guide, who had been of great service during the 

 journey from Linyanti to Tete. Of him we must sorrowfully say, "One 

 is not." His loss must be severe and painful to our traveller. He knew 

 the Zambesi well, as also the dialects spoken on its banks. On 

 arriving at Quillimane, and on attempting to board the Frolic, the sea 

 ran mountains high. Poor Sekwebu in terror asked, "Is this the way 

 you go ? Is this the way you go ? " He became a favourite on board, 

 but was bewildered with the novelty of every thing. He said, "People 

 are very agreeable," but "what a strange country is this, all water 

 together ! " Now comes the climax. When off Mauritius, a steamer ap- 

 pi-oaches. This must be fairy land — see that monster. These white men 

 surely are gods or demons. His senses reel — insanity seizes his brain. 

 He tries to spear a sailor — jumps overboard — pulls himself down by the 

 chains, and Sekwebu in this life is seen no more ! 



