24 
Seven Years in Central Africa. [June, 
in his wanderings among the northern Bechuana people he had 
heard many speak of their tribe being descended from a certain 
man, a kind of demi-god, named Loa (very Hke Noah), who 
made all the animals, and sent them out of his house, two by 
two. Many of the names they have for the animals are very 
ancient. They call the African gazelle the Tsephe, and I am told 
that the Hebrew {Tsebe) for gazelle is the same word. 
I am thankful that my lot is cast among these African people, 
and am very willing for the "little while" to lay aside the 
customs, company, and language of my own people, and spend 
my short life in seeking to spread the gospel in their midst. 
LEAVING THE LAST L. M. S. STATION. 
Shoshoiig, June 2>th, 1882. — Contrary to my intentions and 
expectations, I find myself now on the eve of starting for the 
Zambesi. For two months my next step was hidden from me ; 
but now it is, I think, made very plain that I should go on. 
A week ago, Kama, having heard that my desire was to visit 
the Batoka, he expressed his willingness to help me, and has 
since proved it by placing at my service one of his waggons 
and oxen to take me as far as the Mababi. At the same time he 
sent orders by his chief hunter that I am to have as many 
Basubia^' men as I need to assist me on to Panda-ma-tenka, 
where I can easily get guides to take me down to the town of 
Moemba, chief of the Batoka or Batonga. I have three donkeys 
to carry my stuff, and sufficient supplies for bartering purposes 
to take me comfortably there and back. If all goes well, I 
hope I may be back before the very unhealthy season sets in ; 
that is, in October or November. I cannot, however, speak with 
certainty. I earnestly desire the prayers of God's people, that 
my going may be in the power of the gospel of Christ. My 
heart fills as I think of this country, of the long, long time it 
has waited for that gospel which was "for all people^' and withal 
of the willingness of the people to listen to it. I have now 
* These Basubia were refugees from the Zambesi district, who had fled to 
the Mababi country in order to be under the protection and just rule of Kama. 
In 1883, however, the Matabele made raids into all parts of that country, 
attacking their villages, and most of the people were obliged to return again 
to the Zambesi. 
