VICTORIA AND CAMEROONS. 
63 
In the meantime, he carefully matured his plans 
against the return of the dry season, which would be 
in the month of November. Whilst making these 
preparations, he received important news from Eng- 
land to the effect that £ 1000 had been given to the 
Society for a missionary exploration of the CongOy 
and he thought it not unlikely that he might be 
one of the two individuals who would be chosen to 
undertake it ‘‘If I do go,” he wrote to his father, 
“ all my attempts this side (so near a successful 
issue at present) will fall through ; and the Congo 
or Kabenda will be the mission instead of Cameroons. 
Things look so hopeful for me here, that I am 
exceedingly loath to give this up. The matter may 
be all decided by the mail now expected. Stanley 
is not far away, and has come across Africa from 
the East. I trust he will meet with a good recep- 
tion because of his bravery and energy. I wish 
I had resources at command something like his. 
It is easy getting in from East Africa from what 
it is here. There are caravan routes there, and 
clear tracks of other travellers.” 
The expected mail did not, however, bring any 
definite instructions relative to the Congo. That 
important matter bdng still under the consideration 
of the Home Committee, Mr. Comber was free to 
attempt his second proposed visit to Bakundu, or to 
go even beyond that place, to a country still farther 
in the interior, of which he had heard, where it might 
be even more suitable for him to settle. The fine 
Christian spirit with which he entered upon this 
journey will be seen in the sentiments he expressed to 
his friend John Hartland. “I am earnestly trusting 
the Lord will guide me aright inta the carrying out 
of His plans for me. My first desire is to do my 
duty as His servant. I want to be found faithful, and 
I want success, because I want to succeed in the 
work my Father has given me to do. I trust I am 
His first — entirely and exclusively His, if He wants 
( 
