ngstone, I have always
endeavored to keep this in mind with regard to you. Since
George [Fleming] came out it seemed almost hope against hope.
Your having got so, thoroughly feverised chills my
expectations; still prayer, unceasing prayer, is made for
you. When I think of you my heart will go upward. 'Keep him
as the apple of Thine eye,' 'Hold him in the hollow of Thy
hand,' are the ejaculations of my heart."

[Footnote 42: Rev. John Smith, missionary at Madras, had gone to
Vizagapatam to the ordination of two native pastors, and when returning
in a small vessel, a storm arose, when he and all on board perished.]

In writing from Linyanti to his wife, Livingstone makes the best he can
of his long detention. She seems to have put the matter playfully,
wondering what the "source of attraction" had been. He says:

"Don't know what apology to make you for a delay I could not
shorten. But as you are a mercifully kind-hearted dame, I
expect you will write out an apology in proper form, and I
shall read it before you with as long a face as I can
exhibit. Disease was the chief obstacle. The repair of the
wagon was the 'source of attraction' in Cape Town, and the
settlement of a case of libel another 'source of attraction.'
They tried to engulf me in a law-suit for simply asking the
postmaster why some letters were charged double. They were so
marked in my account. I had to pay L13 to quash it. They
longed to hook me in, from mere hatred to London
missionaries. I did not remain an hour after I could move.
But I do not wonder at your anxiety for my speedy return. I
am sorry you have been disappointed, but you know no mortal
can control disease. The Makololo are wonderfully well
pleased with the path we have already made, and if I am
successful in going down to Quilimane, that will be still
better. I have written you by every opportunity, and am very
sorry your letters have been miscarried."

To his father-in-law he expresses his warm gratitude for the stores. It
was feared by the natives that the goods were bewitched, so they were
placed on an island, a hut was built over them, and there Livingstone
found them on his arrival, a year after! A letter of twelve quarto pages
to Mr. Moffat gives his impressions of his journey, while another of
sixteen pages to Mrs. Moffat explains his "plans," about wh