1 8 Seven Years in Central Africa. [April, 
one. It really is not so ; and were it not for the wars that are 
disturbing the western border of the Transvaal, it would be a 
safer journey than from Glasgow to London by road. Outrages 
upon individuals travelling are almost unknown. 
There is much here to discourage and dishearten, but there is 
rich blessing in the midst of it all. The arm beneath us is 
strong, and the presence of a living God along with His living 
word is surely better than the company of many friends. 
April 2nd. — This week, what with doctoring, teaching, and 
learning Sechuana, also receiving and entertaining native visitors, 
I have been very busy indeed. I read the Sechuana Testament 
to them, and by their remarks upon it I pick up words that do 
not come out in ordinary conversation. I now read the language 
fairly, and can add a word here and there. 
There is a great amount of sickness and death in the town; 
and no wonder, when one thinks of 20,000 people being crowded 
together as close as they could well be packed. Two persons can 
scarcely walk abreast between the houses, which form such a 
perfect maze to me, that when visiting the sick I have to be 
guided in and out. Their idea is that this plan affords greater 
protection from their enemies. 
Just now there are a good many English traders here from all 
parts — Lake Ngami, Matabele country, Zambesi, etc. Last 
Sunday there were fourteen in all at the meeting. I had another 
meeting this evening in one of their houses ; but there were not 
so many present. I am enjoying splendid health — better than 
I ever did at home. 
TWO WAYS TO THE ZAMBESI. 
May \st. — Two ways are partly open to me of getting to the 
Zambesi during the winter, which is the healthy season. I could 
go either in company with a trader to Panda-ma-tenka, my own 
stuff being carried by pack-donkeys or oxen, or in company with 
a hunting party to the Mababi. In both cases I should have a 
journey of a few days to the river. 
My object would be to see Wankie, the chief, whose town lies 
at the best place for crossing the Zambesi, eighty miles below the 
Victoria Falls. His sway is acknowledged over a large tract of 
country on the north of the river, and I wish to get permission 
