Chap. XIII. travelling beverage. 345 



of the " Pioneer." They brought two oxen, one of which 

 was instantly slaughtered to put courage into all hearts, 

 and some bottles of wine, a present from "Waller and 

 Alington. We never carried wine before, but this was 

 precious as an expression of kindheartedness on the part 

 of the donors. 'If one attempted to carry either wine or 

 spirits, as a beverage, he would require a whole troop of 

 followers for nothing else. Our greatest luxury in travel- 

 ling was tea or coffee. We never once carried sugar 

 enough to last a journey, but coffee is always good, while 

 the sugarless tea is only bearable, because of the unbear- 

 able gnawing feeling of want and sinking which ensues if 

 we begin to travel in the mornings without something 

 warm in the stomach. Our drink generally was water, 

 and if cool, nothing can equal it in a hot climate. We 

 usually carried a bottle of brandy rolled up in our blankets, 

 but that was used only as a medicine ; a spoonful in 

 hot water before going to bed, to fend off a chill and fever. 

 Spirits always do harm, if the fever has fairly begun ; and 

 it is probable that brandy-and- water has to answer for a 

 good many of the deaths in Africa. 



Mr. Eae had made gratifying progress in screwing 

 together the " Lady Nyassa." He had the zealous co- 

 operation of three as fine steady workmen as ever handled 

 tools; and, as they were noble specimens of English 

 sailors, we would fain mention the names of men who are 

 an honour to the British navy — John Eeid, John Pennell, 

 and Eichard Wilson. The reader will excuse our doino* 



o 



so, but we desire to record how much they were esteemed, 

 and how thankful we felt for their good behaviour. The 

 weather was delightfully cool; and, with full confidence 

 in those left behind, it was with light hearts we turned 

 our faces north. Mr. Eae accompanied us a day in front ; 

 and, as all our party had earnestly advised that at least 

 two Europeans should be associated together on the 



