ed. He had fallen in
with a trader making an exploring expedition further north than any of
his calling have hitherto reached, and, offering him a handsome
remuneration, induced him to come on with his waggon and several good
horses, in the hope of meeting us. The trader--Donald Fraser by name, a
Scotchman--having got into this unknown region, would not consent to
proceed further, and was on the point of turning south again, when Silva
induced him to remain another week, while Chickango went on to try and
get tidings of us. We had, meantime, started south, and happily fell in
with him, when reduced to extremities, about two days' journey from the
camp. I am not surprised at our friend Donald's unwillingness to
proceed, for he had fallen in with some rough customers, who were more
likely to rob him of his goods than pay for them. However, by the
exertion of the diplomatic talents of our friend Silva, they got free,
and now, I am thankful to say, we are all well, and ready to march
southward. Kate and Bella have been dreadfully cut up about Leo's loss,
and yours, too, Andrew. But what has become of Natty? I hope the poor
boy is not dead?"

I satisfied Stanley on that point.

"We must go back, then, for him at once," he remarked. "Though the
Kabomba people may treat him well, we must not desert the poor lad."

By this time we had reached the camp. Although the rest of the party
had been asleep, they had been aroused, and now appeared out of their
respective huts to receive us. Kate and Bella greeted me kindly, but
were too much occupied with poor Leo to exchange more than a few words.
He was at once carried into their hut, where David went to attend to
him. Senhor Silva, Jack, Timbo, and the other blacks, greeted me
warmly.

"So glad, Massa Andrew, you come back; so glad," exclaimed Timbo. "Me
pray always for you. Neber t'ought you lost. Knew you come back some
day, dough me not den know de way."

Though I felt somewhat fatigued, my friends insisted on getting a
substantial supper ready; and the relief I felt from the idea that my
cares had now come to an end, contributed to give me a good appetite. I
was introduced to Mr Donald Fraser, a tall, gaunt, red-haired
Scotchman.

"I am very glad to welcome you, Mr Andrew Crawford," he said, putting
out his horny-palmed hand. "You come from the North, I know, by your
name, and you are none the less welcome so far from the old country, out
in these souther