and twenty Caffres. The contrast is as great between such
military array and the solitary grandeur of the missionary's
progress, as it is between the actual achievements of the
two--between the rough knowledge obtained by the Portuguese
of some three hundred leagues of new country, and the
scientific precision with which the unarmed and unassisted
Englishman has left his mark on so many important stations of
regions hitherto a blank."

About the time when these words were spoken, Dr. Livingstone was at
Cabango on his return journey, recovering from a very severe attack of
rheumatic fever which had left him nearly deaf; besides, he was almost
blind in consequence of a blow received on the eye from a branch of a
tree in riding through the forest. Notwithstanding, he was engaged in
writing a despatch to the Geographical Society, through Sir Roderick
Murchison, of which more anon, reporting progress, and explaining his
views of the structure of Africa. But we must return to Loanda, and set
out with him and his Makololo in proper on their homeward tour.

CHAPTER IX.

FROM LOANDA TO QUILIMANE.

A.D. 1854-1856.

Livingstone sets out from Loanda--Journey back--Effects of
slavery--Letter to his wife--Severe attack of fever--He reaches the
Barotse country--Day of thanksgiving--His efforts for the good of his
men--Anxieties of the Moffats--Mr. Moffat's journey to Mosilikatse--Box
at Linyanti--Letter from Mrs. Moffat--Letters to Mrs. Livingstone, Mr.
Moffat, and Mrs. Moffat--Kindness of Sekeletu--New escort--He sets out
for the East Coast--Discovers the Victoria Falls--The healthy
longitudinal ridges--Pedestrianism--Great dangers--Narrow
escapes--Triumph of the spirit of trust in God--Favorite
texts--Reference to Captain Maclure's experience--Chief subjects of
thought--Structure of the continent--Sir Roderick Murchison anticipates
his discovery--Letters to Geographical Society--First letter from Sir
Roderick Murchison--Missionary labor--Monasteries--Protestant
mission-stations wanting in self-support--Letter to Directors--Fever not
so serious an obstruction as it seemed--His own hardships--Theories of
mission-work--Expansion _v_. Concentration--Views of a missionary
statesman--He reaches Tette--Letter to King of Portugal--To Sir Roderick
Murchison--Reaches Senna--Quilimane--Retrospect--Letter from
Directors--Goes to Mauritius--Voyage home--Narrow escape from shipwreck
in Bay of Tuni