Homeward Bound 263 
had not waited for the usual style of landing, but had sprung 
overboard pell-mell. 
After the vessel had been emptied of all goods and luggage, 
the necessary repairs were begun. Not until sunset were we able 
to continue our interrupted voyage. We did not regret the 
halt, however, for dusk was just settling down in the virgin 
forest and stillness reigned, uplifting our spirits in an atmo¬ 
sphere of calm serenity. From behind the clouds the gleaming 
disc of the moon emerged in all its silvery splendour and dis¬ 
seminated that indescribable tropical charm over the surrounding 
scenery which calls up such an unconquerable yearning in the 
heart of a lover of nature. That feeling, which, in spite of all 
dangers and hardships, always draws him again to the vast 
mysterious territory of unexplored Africa. We sat mute on the 
deck, deeply stirred by the fairy-like scene. 
After some hours a glimmer of light appeared in the far 
distance, then a second, then several. We were nearing our 
destination. Lying alongside the quay close to the outer wall 
of Basoko, we could discern the outlines of a large steamer. 
It was the Flandre, which was going to bear us down the Congo. 
We approached at half-speed. Orders were given. “Stop her! 
Back her!” and we made fast alongside. The officials of the 
station were waiting to greet us with the Commissaire general. 
Commandant van Vert, at their head. When, accompanied by 
him, we trod the wide streets of Basoko, we almost fancied we 
had returned to European civilisation again. And when later, 
for the first time for a twelvemonth, we lay in comfortable 
European beds and ran over the events of the past year in our 
minds, we were able to close our eyes in slumber with a feeling of 
perfect contentment. All troubles and dangers had been happily 
surmounted. The voyage in front of us on the Congo was only 
child’s play. The work of the expedition was finished. 
« « % « « 
Basoko is one of the largest and most important stations 
on the Upper Congo. It is an old fortified encampment of 
Stanley’s, which has played a considerable part in the history 
