1885.] From the Zambesi to Benguella. 131 
Having stored my goods in Senhor Porto's house, I invited a 
few headmen in Bihe to visit me at Belmonte, where I told them 
of my desire to proceed to the interior. CalHng on Chipongi, 
the Bihe chief, I also informed him. He was very friendly, and 
insisted on my remaining at his town for the night, and sent me 
away next morning accompanied by two of his own men, who 
brought a good fat pig as his present to me. 
TO THE COAST AGAIN — RECEIVE LETTERS. 
As I hoped to receive letters from home, and then to purchase 
goods for the inland journey, I started again for the coast ; and 
on March 27th, when within eight days' journey of Benguella, I 
met the mail carriers. They delivered to me a packet of letters ; 
the first that I had received since leaving the Barotse valley, as 
hitherto all had been sent via Natal. 
From many friends I received hearty expressions of encourage- 
ment in regard to my purpose of again returning into the interior, 
as well as kindly warnings against departing from what should be 
the one true aim and object of my travelling; namely, to make 
Christ known. Upon reaching Benguella I found that many 
useful packages had been forwarded to me, including two 
Westley- Richard carbines, clothing, cotton cloth, and a few 
books. I had some busy days at the coast, preparing for the 
company of carriers I expected from Bailundu. Calico was the 
chief article required for barter in the interior ; but I also took 
beads, a little powder and lead, about 100 pounds of ship 
biscuits, some tea, coffee, and sugar. 
The following reply was written at that time : 
April ^th, 1885. — In yours of January 30th, you speak of two 
points, about which you are exercised, in connection with my work 
in Africa. I could not think of starting on such a journey as is 
before me, planning to return within a certain time, or intending 
to move about in an aimless manner. My earnest hope and 
prayer to God is, that He will lead me among a people for whom 
He has a present message. To a great extent my work may 
only be preparing for others to enter in. Three years ago, while 
at the Zambesi, I had no other desire than to remain there. My 
ways, however, are in God's hands. I am still ready to go back 
again to the Barotse if I get the slightest indication that the field 
K 2 
