PIONEERING EXPEDITION TO SAN SALVADOR. 73 
colleague devoted themselves to the maturing of 
their plans. 
The demands of the situation did not, however, 
prevent him from writing to his brother, Percy ; in 
this letter the expression occurs : I often think what 
a grand and honourable thing it would be if the Lord 
were to call us all to be missionaries — you, Carrie, Sid, 
and I.” After stating this desire and hope, he bade 
his brother try for such an end by taking special care 
of his Christian character, by growing in grace, and 
in likeness to Jesus Christ Should all this prove 
satisfactory, and his. health be good, then he would 
not feel any hesitation in saying, “ Come to Africa.’* 
He reminded him that it depended almost entirely 
upon himself. He bade him do as Sidney and as he 
himself had done — viz., to look forward to a mission- 
ary life as his great aim and desire, to expect it and 
prepare himself for it; to live close to Jesus and be 
holy and strong in Him. He would have him study 
and strive hard to improve himself, because the more 
he would know, the more influence he would obtain, 
and the more good he would be able to do. 
The preparations being as far as possible complete, 
on the 28th of June, 1878, in the steamship Volta, 
Mr. Comber and Mr. Grenfell proceeded a second 
time to the Congo, with the intention of making their 
way to San Salvador. Their party consisted of eight 
persons besides themselves — two teachers, Ebobu and 
Epea ; an Angola black, as Portuguese interpreter ; 
two Kroo boys, Jim and Joe ; a Cameroons boy from 
the mission, and two small boys, Ti and Cam ; 
mention must also be made of Jack, the donkey, and 
Mr. Grenfell’s dog, Jip. 
The eight days’ passage down south to Banana was 
most pleasant, Mr. Comber never feeling better in his 
life. The party were very cordially received by Mr. 
Hankin, Mr. Bloeme’s representative. As the Zaire 
was up river, it was determined to proceed in their 
own boat ; her powers being first well tested in the 
