883.] 
Among the Barotse. 
85 
town that the teacher's God had sent back the king's dog. The 
dog must have been caught just about the time I asked the Lord 
for it. Quite a lively interest sprung up. Ratau to-night said 
that he and his wives wanted me to have a large meeting with 
all his people in the daytime; they all wanted much to hear. 
" We listen to you praying and singing at night," said he (when 
alone I forget that the reed walls of my house are so thin that 
every word spoken is heard outside), " but we want you to speak 
to us more during the day." 
Shesheke^ September 24th. — After a very tedious journey I got 
here safely two days ago. One evening we were benighted on 
the river. It became very dark, and my men were anxiously 
paddling up stream, when a hippopotamus came after the boat I 
was in, grunting fiercely and gnashing his teeth at us. We pulled 
hard to get to shallow water, but the beast followed us. I had no 
powder at hand for my gun. The men jumped out ; but being 
loth to leave the boat at the mercy of the brute, I took my steel 
and flint and struck fire in his face. This stopped him, and he 
turned back to deep water. 
RE-ASCEND THE RIVER. 
Shesheke, October T^rd. — Mr. Westbeech arrived, but in very 
poor health, so much so that, after remaining with him for a few 
days, and there being no signs of improvement, we decided that 
he should return to Panda-ma-tenka, and I should proceed alone 
to Lealui.''^ Nothing of importance occurred during the first part 
of our journey up the river. My boatmen were very diligent 
in hunting, so that this time we were fairly well supplied with 
meat. On one occasion a troop of buffaloes was seen near the 
water, and all the men started at once in pursuit, whilst I 
remained by the stuff, sitting quietly reading under my umbrella. 
In a short time I noticed some curious objects on the tops of the 
trees — here and there an old shirt, or a little piece of white cloth 
* Since my return to England I have heard of the death of Mr. Westbeech. 
He was of a brave and affectionate disposition, beloved by all who knew him 
— both black and white. His name will ever be associated with the trading 
station of Panda-ma-tenka and the Victoria Falls. It was he who opened the 
first waggon road through the eastern Matabele country (with the help of the 
chief Mosilikatse) about sixteen years ago ; and he was ever the hospitable 
entertainer and succourer of missionary and scientific travellers alike. 
