certain,--they were disposed to treat Natty and I with the greatest
kindness. At last, by perseverance, I made the chief understand what I
wanted, and he signified his readiness to assist me. I showed him also
that I wished him to take care of Natty while I was away. At this he
seemed highly pleased, and brought his son--a boy of about Natty's age--
to show that he would be his companion, and that he would take as good
care of him as he would of his own children. To show his still greater
readiness to assist me, he brought a number of articles which had
evidently been left by our friends, I could not make out whether as
gifts or not. He signified that we might ransom Leo with them if he was
detained as a prisoner. These, and sufficient provisions to last me for
several days, I placed on the back of the zebra. The load, though not
very heavy, was as much as I thought it could carry.

I was doubtful whether I should venture to go alone, or obtain some
attendants. If they proved faithful they would be of great use,
otherwise I would rather have trusted to my own energy and watchfulness.
The matter was settled by the chief bringing up three young men, whom
he signified were to accompany me. They were armed with shields, bows
and arrows, and spears; but these might alarm their countrymen, and I
knew I must depend for success only on pacific measures. It cost me a
good deal to part with Natty. He looked so sorrowful when I bid him
good-bye.

"But you will bring back Leo; I know you will," he said. "I cannot help
thinking he is not very far off."

Just as I was parting the chief brought me a prize, which, in my
circumstances, was of the greatest value. It was a powder-horn full of
fine powder. I could not help fancying it must have been left behind by
accident. It was certainly, however, not the one which Stanley had been
in the habit of using.

I think I have before said that the zebra would not allow any of the
blacks to come near him. I was therefore obliged to lead him myself,
they following at a little distance behind. He then went on readily
enough: but the moment they came near his heels, he flung out in a way
which made them always keep at a respectful distance.

I must give a very brief account of my journey. It required a good deal
of calculation to direct my course. I had first to consider the
position of the village where Natty and I had remained so long near the
lake. It was some distanc