CHAPTER X. 
LIFE AND LABOURS, MAINLY ON THE UPPER CONGO. 
I N an interview with Mr. Stanley, Mr. Comber had 
made arrangements for a site for the new station 
at the Pool; and deeming it of the utmost import- 
ance that the site should be obtained, he hast- 
ened without delay to secure it. This was his first 
visit to Stanley Pool, the date being July, 1882. The 
journey occupied eight days, and was accomplished 
without difficulty. He was received most kindly by 
Lieut. Braconnier, whom Stanley had left in charge of 
Leopoldville, the State station. Immediately on his 
arrival he proceeded to Kintamo, the native town, to 
pay his respects to the great Nga Liema — that 
important man and his people being real, untamed 
savages. He had never seen such individuals before : 
'‘wild and ferocious in appearance, with eyebrows 
shaved off, and eyelashes pulled out, streaks of red 
and yellow ochre and chalk encircling their eyes.” A 
good present had a soothing effect upon Nga Liema, 
so that he listened to what Mr. Comber had to say, 
and expressed himself pleased at the prospect of his 
coming to live amongst his people, especially as the 
missionary practised the healing art. “But,” wrote 
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