I wished to linger longer, but the inevitable would
come - Fate sundered us. This is the same regretful feeling, only
it is more poignant, and the farewell may be forever! FOREVER?
And "FOR EVER," echo the reverberations of a woful whisper.
I have noted down all he has said to-night; but the reader shall
not share it with me. It is mine!
I am as jealous as he is himself of his Journal; and I have
written in German text, and in round hand, on either side of it,
on the waterproof canvas cover, "POSITTVELY NOT TO BE OPENED;"
to which he has affixed his signature. I have stenographed every
word he has said to me respecting the equable distribution of
certain curiosities among his friends and children, and his last
wish about "his" dear old friend, Sir Roderick Murchison, because
he has been getting anxious about him ever since we received the
newspapers at Ugunda, when we read that the old man was suffering
from a paralytic stroke. I must be sure to send him the news, as
soon as I get to Aden; and I have promised that he will receive
the message from me quicker than anything was ever received in
Central Africa.
"To-morrow night, Doctor, you will be alone!"
"Yes; the house will look as though a death had taken place.
You had better stop until the rains, which are now near,
are over."
"I would to God I could, my dear Doctor; but every day I stop
here, now that there is no necessity for me to stay longer, keeps
you from your work and home."
"I know; but consider your health - you are not fit to travel.
What is it?
