THROUGH ZAMBESI A. 
341 
They escorted us until we reached the “ New Valhalla,” 
the name humorously given to the house of Mr. George 
Fairbairn, a Scottish gentleman who trades in ivory, 
close to the king’s kraal, on the southern banks of the 
Umkliosi river. A hearty welcome was given me here. 
The country at the time was full of fever, and 
Fairbairn’s house was temporarily an hospital. Several 
deaths had occurred in the immediate neighbourhood on 
the mission station, one who succumbed beiim Mr. 
F. C. SELOUS. 
Thomas, who was among the first of the white men who 
came to this country, and who had established a small 
mission station of his own, named Shiloh. 
On my arrival I made inquiries concerning the progress 
of Whitaker, the young and adventurous Canadian, of 
whom we heard at the Tati gold fields as having been 
making his way towards the Zambesi. 
“ Ah ! ” said Fairbairn, “ we buried poor Whitaker at 
Hope Fountain Mission Station a few days ago. He was 
very reluctant to take the medicines we offered him.” 
