having some companions. "We will look after them," said Leo.

"And I will teach them to read," exclaimed Natty. "I hope they will not
want to be going away, though. We must nurse them in the meantime, and
try and get them well."

"Poor little fellows," said the ever kind Kate, when she saw them. "We
will do all we can for them, though they look very ill."

The eyes and cheeks of the young negroes were sadly sunk, for fever
makes the same ravages in their frames as it does in those of white
people. The father, though he saw his boys in safe keeping, still
seemed unwilling to leave them. He had done what was quite contrary to
the customs of his people, and he told Timbo he was afraid, if he was
long absent, that the rest of his family might be ill-treated. He
accordingly, after looking affectionately at them, and expressing his
thanks to us all, but to David especially, took his departure. I should
have said that we brought away the presents made to us, which proved a
welcome addition to our bill of fare.

CHAPTER NINE.

A FLIGHT FOR LIFE.

"When are we to see the _Giraffe_ and _Gazelle_ launched, and to have
our promised excursion on the river?" asked Kate, the evening after
Igubo had left us.

"Oh do, Stanley!" cried Bella. "It is cruel to keep us so long shut up
like captive princesses in your Castle, and as the natives are friendly
and you can avoid the hippopotami, there can be no danger."

"The _Gazelle_ is not yet launched," answered Stanley; "but as soon as
she is in the water you can come and see her."

"Oh, but we should like to see her at once, and help you to launch her,"
said Kate. "If you will start to-morrow morning as soon as it is
daylight and the air is still cool, we will accompany you."

The young ladies gained their object, and we were all on foot even
before the sun had risen, ready to set out. They would not wait for
breakfast, but insisted on carrying provisions and a kettle to boil our
tea. David wished to remain to look after his patients, and Senhor
Silva was not yet sufficiently strong to bear us company.

"Remember we are to paddle your canoe, girls," cried Leo; "and Andrew
will steer for us; and if Timbo will come with a musket or spear, to do
battle with any hippopotami or other river monsters, we will allow him
to go also."

As we had the rollers with which we had launched the other canoe, and
the road had already been cut, the labour of dragging the _Gazelle_