ertain consequence of getting
wet in this climate, and allowing the clothes to dry on the person. Even
if we walk in the mornings when the dew is on the grass, and only get our
feet and legs wet, a very uneasy feeling and partial fever with pains in
the limbs ensue, and continue till the march onwards bathes them in
perspiration. Had Bishop Mackenzie been aware of this, which, before
experience alone had taught us, entailed many a severe lesson, we know no
earthly reason why his valuable life might not have been spared. The
difference between getting the clothes soaked in England and in Africa is
this: in the cold climate the patient is compelled, or, at any rate,
warned, by discomfort to resort at once to a change of raiment; while in
Africa it is cooling and rather pleasant to allow the clothes to dry on
the person. A Missionary in proportion as he possesses an athletic
frame, hardened by manly exercises, in addition to his other
qualifications, will excel him who is not favoured with such bodily
endowments; but in a hot climate efficiency mainly depends on husbanding
the resources. He must never forget that, in the tropics, he is an
exotic plant.

CHAPTER XV.

Confidence of natives--Bishop Tozer--Withdrawal of the Mission party--The
English leave--Hazardous voyage to Mosambique--Dr. Livingstone's voyage
to Bombay--Return to England.

We were delighted and thankful to find all those left at the ship in good
health, and that from the employments in which they had been occupied
they had suffered less from fever than usual during our absence. My
companion, Thomas Ward, the steward, after having performed his part in
the march right bravely, rejoined his comrades stronger than he had ever
been before.

An Ajawa chief, named Kapeni, had so much confidence in the English name
that he, with most of his people, visited the ship; and asserted that
nothing would give his countrymen greater pleasure than to receive the
associates of Bishop Mackenzie as their teachers. This declaration,
coupled with the subsequent conduct of the Ajawa, was very gratifying,
inasmuch as it was clear that no umbrage had been taken at the check
which the Bishop had given to their slaving; their consciences had told
them that the course he had pursued was right.

When we returned, the contrast between the vegetation about Muazi's and
that near the ship was very striking. We had come so quickly down, that
while on the plateau in lat