The man was not an apparition, then, and yesterday's scenes were
not the result of a dream! and I gazed on him intently, for thus
I was assured he had not run away, which was the great fear that
constantly haunted me as I was journeying to Ujiji.
"Now, Doctor," said I, "you are, probably, wondering why I came
here?"
"It is true," said he; "I have been wondering. I thought you,
at first, an emissary of the French Government, in the place of
Lieutenant Le Saint, who died a few miles above Gondokoro. I heard
you had boats, plenty of men, and stores, and I really believed
you were some French officer, until I saw the American flag; and,
to tell you the truth, I was rather glad it was so, because I could
not have talked to him in French; and if he did not know English,
we had been a pretty pair of white men in Ujiji! I did not like
to ask you yesterday, because I thought it was none of my business."
Well," said I, laughing, "for your sake I am glad that I am an
American, and not a Frenchman, and that we can understand each
other perfectly without an interpreter. I see that the Arabs are
wondering that you, an Englishman, and I, an American, understand
each other. We must take care not to tell them that the English
and Americans have fought, and that there are `Alabama' claims left
unsettled, and that we have such people as Fenians in America, who
hate you. But, seriously, Doctor - now don't be frightened when I
tell you that I have come after - YOU!"
"After me?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Well. You have heard of the `New York Herald?'"
"Oh - who has not heard of that newspaper?"
"Without his father's knowledge or consent, Mr. James Gordon Bennett,
son of Mr. James Gordon Bennett, the proprietor of the `Herald,' has
commissioned me to find you - to get whatever news of your discoveries
you like to give - and to assist you, if I can, with means."
"Young Mr. Bennett told you to come after me, to find me out,
and help me! It is no wonder, then, you praised Mr. Bennett so
much last night."
"I know him - I am proud to say - to be just what I say he is.
He is an ardent, generous, and true man."
"Well, indeed! I am very much obliged to him; and it makes me
feel proud to think that you Americans think so much of me. You
have just come in the proper time; for I was beginning to think
that I should have to beg from the Arabs. Even they are in want
of cloth, and there are but few beads in Ujiji. That fellow Sherif
has robbed me of all. I wish I could embody my thanks to Mr. Bennett
in suitable words; but if I fail to do so, do not, I beg of you,
believe me the less grateful."
"And now, Doctor, having disposed of this little affair, Ferajji
shall bring breakfast; if you have no objection."
"You have given me an appetite," he said.
