132 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
orders to prepare a feast,, wliilst Signor Carlo and Foxcroft opened 
cases to bring forward wine and many little luxuries which were 
held in reserve for the expected travellers. The soldiers and sailors 
quickly arrayed themselves in holiday attire,, after casting anchor 
in the river: the banks were inaccessible. The tarabookas were 
beaten right joyously, whilst I with Halima made gay the cabins, 
giving them a festal appearance, when suddenly it was remembered 
that we had ill tidings to communicate to Captain Grant, and our 
joy was subdued. 
Before leaving England, a letter was entrusted to Petherick by a 
sister of Captain Grant, to deliver at a fitting opportunity to him. 
This letter contained news of the fatal accident which befell a bro- 
ther of Captain Grant when tiger-hunting in India. In my care 
was a letter for Captain Speke from his mother, to acquaint him 
with the marriage of a sister of his, and a request that when it was 
delivered we should drink to the health of the young couple. And 
so our hearts were troubled how best to break the sad news and to 
give the good. The coming boats anchored, and the agents and the 
reises were soon on board, but not the travellers so ardently looked 
for. When Abd il Majid advanced to Petherick, he received from 
him a greeting little anticipated, as he had disobeyed instructions. 
His mission was to travel southwards, after reinforcing himself at 
Petherick^s station at the Neambara or Wayo, five days^ journey 
west of Gondokoro j from thence to continue his journeying south 
until he met with the Speke expedition. The boats were to remain 
at Gondokoro with supplies for the travellers. 
Abd il Majid entreated a patient hearing. He said that upon his 
arrival at Gondokoro from Khartoum, in December, 1861, he dis- 
embarked, leaving the boats amply furnished with grain, &c., there 
to await his return, or the advent of Captain Speke. At the 
