76 
THOMAS J. COMBER. 
As their main object in visiting San Salvador was 
not so much to settle down in that town, as to 
find a base of operations for future work on the 
Upper Congo River, the presence of this padre at 
first greatly strengthened their determination to 
proceed elsewhere. But, in private interviews with 
the king, they were assured of Don Pedro's protection, 
and were urged to remain ; and during their residence 
in the town, which extended over three weeks, they 
were able to make inquiries and observations which 
tended to impress them more favourably with San 
Salvador as a desirable place for the founding of a 
mission station, ever, however, keeping in view the 
ulterior object of reaching the Upper Congo. Whilst 
they were at San Salvador, trading parties had passed 
through the town on their way to the coast, — some 
of these came from a place called Makuta. Having 
ascertained that Makuta was in the right direction 
for the Upper Congo, and near the Babwende tribe 
of whom Mr. Stanley had spoken so highly, the 
missionaries resolved to make an effort to reach that 
place. At first the king was opposed ; but being 
assured that their intention was simply to reach the 
river, he consented to supply them with the necessary 
carriers. On this journey Mr. Comber was fortunate 
in securing the services of Matoka, a San Salvador 
man, who had accompanied Lieutenant Grandy on 
his expedition, and from whom he had received a 
most satisfactory testimonial. Their route lay 
through several small towns — at Moila they were 
greatly tried by the refusal of the carriers to proceed 
to Makuta ; and, as all entreaty failed, there was 
nothing to be done but to pay them and let them 
return. The chief of Moila, however, was friendly, 
and replenished their staff. Four days' subsequent 
march brought them to Tungwa, the largest of the 
Makuta towns, containing 2000 inhabitants, being 
more populous than San Salvador. Two ambassa- 
dors, one of them being Matoka, were sent forward 
