36 
Seven Years i7t Central Africa. [July, 
and caps fetch an enormous price here. I have also to provide 
food for these men. 
2']th. — Walked to the Basubia towns to-day, the nearest being 
about twelve miles from the waggon. I visited two of them, and 
at the first was very well received. The people all turned out 
and listened to the Word, and then brought me three baskets 
of corn. 
At the other town, which was a little further on, I was received 
saucily, and the people were not much inclined to listen to 
"this new thing;" at first, in fact, they refused altogether. I 
asked them if they would hear me if I returned. This they 
promised to do. As I was moving off they changed their minds, 
and said they would hear me now. The tardiness of the older 
men in allowing me to read the word of God and to speak 
seemed to have a good effect in rousing the curiosity of the 
young men, for they listened eagerly. One man doubly repaid 
me for all their grunts by a deep sigh, which seemed to come 
from his heart, and told what his lips could not have spoken. 
Still further on there are many more towns all inhabited by 
Zambesi refugees. 
In the evening I chose six stalwart men, besides a Bechuana 
who wants to go with me, and another young man who goes 
for his food. Further on I hope to get another guide. The 
advantage of having two guides is, that one can take a round in 
search of water, whilst the other leads the party. 
2^th. — I find I have made a mistake in engaging my men so 
soon, as they have taken up their quarters beside the waggon, 
and look to me to feed them here. I went out to-day to get 
some meat to help my supply of maize for the men. Walked 
a long way and found nothing, but in returning to the waggon I 
shot a wild boar. I have arranged with the Bechuana who is to 
go with me to Leshuma, that I feed him and supply him with 
powder and lead, and in return he is to hunt for me. 
Lord'S'day^ July 3 o//^.— Having so far got everything into 
marching order, I feel thankful for a day of rest before I start. 
I rejoice to think that the issue of this journey is with the Lord, 
and that He will be my guide. 
The waters are scarce and uncertain by the route I have 
decided to take ; viz., in a straight line from here to the junction 
