62 Seven Years in Central Africa. 
[Oct. 
travel ; but I have king's men, and when he sends for any one, 
he has men picked from several towns or kraals. 
I am sure you cannot but recognise with me the hand of God 
in ordering all things. He knew how much I needed the mental 
rest and time for quiet thought that I got at Panda-ma-tenka, 
which I could not have got here ; and now, to my surprise, when 
J expected that the king's boats would have come and gone back, 
I have arrived just at the right moment. The boatmen, of 
course, knew nothing of my delay through sickness. 
Mr. Westbeech has also kindly arranged to remain longer with 
the king than he intended. He is anxious to be with him when 
I reach Lealui, to tell him how to treat me. He has known the 
king from his boyhood, and has much influence with him. 
The rapids are difficult to shoot at this time, but I shall be 
safe enough, having scarcely anything on when travelling in the 
boat. 
I shall be the first Scotchman, and the second British subject, 
who has gone beyond Shesheke since Livingstone's visit; the 
other is Mr. Westbeech. 
This is a copy of the letter I received at Shesheke from Mr. 
Westbeech : 
^'■Lealui, ^th October, 1882. 
"Dear Sir, — I have got permission from the chief for you to 
come on here, and this without much trouble. He sends you two 
boats, and both he and I shall anxiously await your arrival. He 
sends you two responsible people with them — the older one is named 
Monie-Ki-Umbwa, and the other Mato Kwan. 
" You will have purchased food for the road by the time they arrive. 
If you have not, do so at once. 
" Try and gain a good name amongst your boatmen, as they come 
from different kraals, and, of course, many questions will be asked 
them. If you shoot anything along the road, take as much as you 
will require for yourself, and from what part you like best, and give 
all the remainder to your headman, Monie-Ki-Umbwa, for division 
amongst your crews. 
" The king must have brought about 20,000 head of cattle, taken 
in war, to the Barotse Valley, exclusive of what have died along 
the road from poverty and tsetse. 
Remember me to Ra-tau, and wishing you health and success, 
" I am, yours faithfully, 
"George Westbeech." 
