Under these circumstances, my duty was to follow out the
instructions of Dr. Livingstone, in procuring a good and
efficient leader to take charge of the caravan as far as
Unyanyembe.
In a few hours I succeeded in obtaining an Arab highly recommended
from Sheikh Hashid, whom I engaged at an advance of $100. The
young Arab, though not remarkably bright, seemed honest and able,
but I left his further employment after reaching Unyanyembe to Dr.
Livingstone, who would be able to decide then whether he was quite
trustworthy.
The next day I collected the men of the new Livingstone Expedition
together, and as it was dangerous to allow them to wander about the
city, I locked them up in a courtyard, and fed them there, until
every soul, fifty seven in number, answered to their names.
In the meantime, through the American Consul's assistance, I
obtained the services of Johari, the chief dragoman of the
American Consulate, who was charged with the conduct of the party
across the inundated plain of the Kingani, and who was enjoined on
no account to return until the Expedition had started on its march
from the western bank of the Kingani River. Mr. Oswell Livingstone
generously paid him a douceur for the promise of doing
his work thoroughly.
A dhow having been brought to anchor before the American Consulate,
I then addressed my old companions, saying, "You are now about to
return to Unyanyembe, to the `Great Master'. You know him; you
know he is a good man, and has a kind heart. He is different from
me; he will not beat you, as I have done. But you know I have
rewarded you all - how I have made you all rich in cloth and money.
You know how, when you behaved yourselves well, I was your friend.
I gave you plenty to eat and plenty to wear. When you were sick
I looked after you. If I was so good to you, the `Great Master'
will be much more so. He has a pleasant voice, and speaks kind.
When did you ever see him lift his hand against an offender?
When you were wicked, he did not speak to you in anger - he spoke
to you in tones of sorrow. Now, will you promise me that you
will follow him - do what he tells you, obey him in all things,
and not desert him?"
"We will, we will, my master!" they all cried, fervently.
"Then there is one thing more. I want to shake hands with you
all before you go - and we part for ever;" and they all rushed
up at once, and a vigorous shake was interchanged with each man.
