88 Central Africa, 
of all colours, suggestive of the universality of Christ's 
kingdom." 
On the following Sabbath, a public Christian service was 
held at the palace, at which the king and about one hundred 
of his chief men were present. Two chapters were read 
from the Bible, and some explanatory observations added, 
the little boy translating the whole. Prayers were then 
offered in the same way, and as each prayer came to a close, 
the people, led by Dallington, responded with hearty Amens, 
After that Mr. Smith gave an address, in which he told the 
people about the Fall of mankind, and of Redemption by 
Christ Jesus, while Dallington translated again to an atten- 
tive audience. This service was the first of a regular series, 
held at the palace on each returning Sabbath morning, while 
the Christian flag" was regularly hoisted at the palace, in 
order to ensure respectful observance of the day. Beside 
this, M'tesa learnt to read fairly, and commenced to teach 
the alphabet to a class of boys in his turn. Being eager to 
learn everything possible, he took some lessons in geography 
manifested much curiosity upon various points in theology, 
and expressed his determination to send ambassadors to 
England, to conclude a treaty with Queen Victoria. 
For three months this continued, when Mr. Wilson 
decided to stay at Rubaga, among M'tesa's people. Ac- 
cording to his account of them, they were *^a promising 
people in an educational point of view : sharp, quick-witted, 
skilful in working in metals, clever at imitating things of 
European manufacture." Lieutenant Smith then proceeded 
to explore the lake, after which he went once more to 
Ukerewe, and rejoined Mr. O'Neill, expecting doubtless to 
accomplish further service in the Master's cause, when an 
appalling disaster overspread the mission, and cut down the 
workers prematurely. It came about in this way : — ■ 
