But what should I do at all, at
all? This was a grand question.
I decided it were best to hunt up an Arab merchant who had been
engaged in the ivory trade, or who was fresh from the interior.
Sheikh Hashid was a man of note and of wealth in Zanzibar. He had
himself despatched several caravans into the interior, and was
necessarily acquainted with several prominent traders who came to
his house to gossip about their adventures and gains. He was also
the proprietor of the large house Capt. Webb occupied; besides,
he lived across the narrow street which separated his house from
the Consulate. Of all men Sheikh Hashid was the man to be
consulted, and he was accordingly invited to visit me at the
Consulate.
From the grey-bearded and venerable-looking Sheikh, I elicited
more information about African currency, the mode of procedure,
the quantity and quality of stuffs I required, than I had obtained
from three months' study of books upon Central Africa; and from
other Arab merchants to whom the ancient Sheikh introduced me,
I received most valuable suggestions and hints, which enabled me
at last to organize an Expedition.
The reader must bear in mind that a traveller requires only that
which is sufficient for travel and exploration that a superfluity
of goods or means will prove as fatal to him as poverty of
supplies.
