276 
MISSIONARY LIFE 
to mention. When you came to Africa last, you 
went to see my father. My uncle was there at 
the time. He has a vast territory, about half a 
day’s walk from Avery Station, Mendi Mission. 
When I went there uncle was not at home ; but 
I met with a hearty reception. Across the river 
from my uncle’s place is the site of my grand- 
mother’s town. The people asked me if I had 
come to rebuild the town. I said no, not just 
then, because my work for the present was at 
Shengay. They seemed very much disappointed. 
I am the only boy left in our family, and to me 
they look to rebuild the place. I pray God the 
time may come when I shall be able to do some- 
thing for them. My uncle is getting old. He is 
in religion a Mohammedan. Our family is called 
a Mohammedan family. But for the grace of 
God, I too might this day be calling on the 
Prophet Mohammed. I never said anything 
Avhile in America of my family, or of the place 
that properly belongs to us. To be an African 
chief is no honor. I do not see any of the chiefs 
here whose position can be envied. A man in 
authority here might do very much for the exten- 
sion of the Redeemer’s kingdom, and thus bring 
credit to himself and honor to his God. The 
country in which my uncle lives is an excellent 
one. A saw-mill might be built there with fair 
