TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
137 
difficulties, both from the disposition of the na- 
tives and the advanced state of the season, was 
sufficiently gloomy to make the bravest despond, 
and the most sanguine entertain doubts of suc- 
cess, — they nevertheless all appeared cheerful 
and happy in being selected to the service. 
To Mr. Dochard's own discretion and judg- 
ment I left altogether the means, as well as 
mode, of entering into arrangements with Dhaa 
for our passage through, and protection in his 
country ; and from my knowledge of Mr. Do- 
chard's extreme anxiety and determination to 
bring (inasmuch as la}^ in his power) our enter- 
prize to a happy conclusion, I felt satisfied that 
I could not have entrusted this service into more 
able or patient hands ; the latter being an ac- 
complishment most necessary, indeed indispen- 
sably so, in that country. 
The party left the camp on the Q3d, at four 
o'clock in the afternoon. I accompanied them 
«ome distance, and, when taking leave of them, 
I felt that I had myself more occasion to appre- 
hend their never returning than they appeared 
to entertain; indeed I felt, when giving Mr. 
Dochard the parting shake of the hand, that I 
was bidding adieu for ever, as it were, to the 
nearest and dearest friend I had in the world. 
In order to induce Lamina to forward our views 
at Sego, and to conduct himself with kindness 
