304 
HOPE TO THE SOUTH. 
[chap. VIII. 
white man was in Latooka, who wanted neither slaves 
nor ivory.” The natives reported, that a quantity of 
ivory existed in their country, and Ibrahim determined 
to take a few men and pay it a visit, as the people 
were said to be extremely friendly. I requested the 
leader to point out the exact position of Obbo, which 
I found to be S.W. That was precisely the direction 
that I had wished to take; thus an unexpected oppor¬ 
tunity presented itself, and I determined to start with¬ 
out delay. On the 2d of May, 1863, at 9 A.M., we left 
Latooka, delighted to change the scene of inaction. I 
left five men in charge of my camp and effects, begging 
Commoro the chief to look after their safety, and 
telling him that I had no fear of trusting all to his 
care. Savages will seldom deceive you if thus placed 
upon their honour, this happy fact being one of the 
bright rays in their darkness, and an instance of the 
anomalous character of the African. 
The route lay across the park-like valley of Latooka 
for about eighteen miles, by which time we reached 
the base of the mountain chain. There was no other 
path than the native track, which led over a low range 
of granite rocks, forming a ridge about four hundred 
feet high. It was with the greatest difficulty that the 
loaded donkeys could be hoisted over the numerous 
blocks of granite that formed an irregular flight of 
