EVENTS AND PROCEEDINGS CONTINUED. 1 1 1 
mission to San Salvador, charged with splendid and 
costly presents to the king ; and that they were to be 
accompanied by naval and military officers of high 
rank. When this letter came into Mr. Comber's 
hands, he was naturally concerned lest so imposing 
a display of force and such a superabundance of gifts 
should tura Don Pedro's head. 
Whilst waiting for the return of the brethren from 
the Pool, Mr. Comber went down to Banana to seek 
for more men in view of future operations. When 
the missionaries met again, which they did early in 
March, i88i, their consultations resulted in a depot 
for stores being opened at Musuka ; an earnest re- 
quest being sent home for a sectional steel boat ; in 
Mr. Crudgington being dispatched to England to 
confer with the Committee of the Society, especially 
with a view to reinforcements ; and in the three other 
missionaries hastening to San Salvador to counteract, 
if possible, the harmful influence of the Jesuit 
priests. 
The last decision was speedily carried into effect, 
the journey to San Salvador being accomplished by 
an improved route in five days. The reception 
welcoming the return of the missionaries was alto- 
gether beyond expectation. Their approach had been 
heralded by an advance courier. Matoka, one of the 
principal men of the place, and who, from the first, 
had been their friend, with several others, came forth 
to greet them, and when they were inside the town, 
the manifestations of pleasure were most demonstrative; 
hands everywhere being outstretched to be shaken ; 
eyes beaming with glad welcome, and voices raised to 
the highest pitch contending for a hearing." They 
found that their property had been most carefully 
preserved. Whilst they were taking refreshment, who 
should appear but two of the Jesuit priests ! They 
actually came — so strong are the sympathies of nature, 
one touch of which makes the whole world kin — 
to request medical help on behalf of their two 
