became anxious to proceed, though his followers were in no hurry to
leave their present quarters. He had purchased a large number of tusks
from the villagers, and had engaged a dozen of them to assist in
conveying his property to the coast. He had, indeed, by honest commerce
made a far more profitable expedition than, in all probability, had
Abdullah, even though he should succeed in reaching the coast with his
captured slaves.

During the stay of the caravan at Kamwawi, Chando and a number of
people, excited by the prospect of selling their ivory at a good price,
several times went out hunting and succeeded in bringing in six elephant
tusks, and four from the jaws of hippopotami, which they had slain.

After a stay of several weeks, the caravan, considerably increased in
size, marched forth from the gates of the village with colours flying,
drums beating, horns sounding, and people shouting their farewells and
good wishes. Ned felt in better spirits than he had done for a long
time, as he was once more able to march alongside Sayd, Chando, who was
now not only a freed man, but was looked upon as a person of
considerable consequence, being generally in their company. Masika,
carried in a sort of litter by four bearers, followed close behind them.

They had a long journey before them, and many dangers and difficulties
to encounter. Sayd confessed to Ned that his stock of ammunition had
run very low, and that should they encounter an enemy they might be
unable to defend themselves. They hoped, however, to find the natives
friendly, and that they should march forward without interruption.

He had still retained a sufficient amount of goods to purchase
provisions and to pay the usual tribute to the chiefs through whose
territory they would have to pass. Sayd issued strict orders to his
people to expend none of their powder and shot unless in a case of
absolute necessity.

Day after day they marched on, sometimes being received as friends, at
others finding the gates of the villages closed against them, especially
when they reached the districts through which the Arab caravans had
passed. Still, they were two hundred miles or more from the coast.
Fifteen miles was the very utmost length they could perform in one day's
journey, and generally they did not get through more than ten miles.
Thus, with the necessary halts for hunting or purchasing provisions, and
the detention they might meet with from chiefs, it woul