LETTEES FEOM THE FAE-OFF HOME. 
305 
for Khartoam^ one, heavily laden, had gone on to Gondokoro, 
there to await the arrival of the Speke and Grant expedition from 
Zanzibar. The last-mentioned boat had, therefore, been some 
months at Gondokoro, and now the renewed supplies in the refitted 
boats were also there ; but Speke and Grant had not arrived, and 
we, in consequence of our disastrous journey, were still three or 
four days^ march from that place. 
The men had with them letters for us from the far-oflP home. 
With yearning anxious hearts to read the tidings, we made for 
the nearest tree affording shade, a tamarind, ever to be remem- 
bered; and there dismounting, not trusting ourselves to utter a 
word, letters from the beloved ones were first opened. Ah I how 
many changes in the home circle since we had left it ! Two hours 
passed rapidly away and the letters were not all read, then the 
march recommenced, and the men who had met us retraced their 
steps to Gondokoro. How much they had to tell ! The Lady 
of the Nile,^^ that poor old boat, went down as she reached Khar- 
toum : we had not abandoned her too soon. 
They spoke also of European ladies who had been to Gondokoro 
in a steam- ship ; and they imitated the action of the paddle, and 
puffing off of steam : the vessel was a novel sight to them. 
Our dahabyeh, the Kathleen,^^ was also at Gondokoro, and we 
rejoiced; for if Speke should arrive there ere we did, this boat and 
the others were placed with all their comforts at his disposal. We 
also received from the men a letter from Mr. Baker, who had been 
staying some months at our home at Khartoum, and 'had left that 
place about the same time our renewed expedition sailed for Gon- 
dokoro. The winds had favoured them, and the voyage was of 
short duration. Mr. Baker thus writes : 
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