Just as they came to the Likwa, a long string of men was seen on the opposite side filing down to the water, and being uncertain of their intentions, precautions were quickly taken to ensure the safety of the baggage.  Dividing themselves into three parties, the first detachment went across to meet the strangers, carrying the Arab flag in front.  Chuma headed another band at a little distance in the rear of these, whilst Susi and a few more crouched in the jungle, with the body concealed in a roughly-made hut.  Their fears, however, were needless:  it turned out to be a caravan bound for Fipa to hunt elephants and buy ivory and slaves.  The new arrivals told them that they had come straight through Unyanyembe from Bagamoio, on the coast, and that the Doctor’s death had already been reported there by natives of Fipa.

As we notice with what rapidity the evil tidings spread (for the men found that it had preceded them in all directions), one of the great anxieties connected with African travel and exploration seems to be rather increased than diminished.  It shows us that it is never wise to turn an entirely deaf ear when the report of a disaster comes to hand, because in this instance the main facts were conveyed across country, striking the great arterial caravan route at Unyanyembe, and getting at once into a channel that would ensure the intelligence reaching Zanzibar.  On the other hand, false reports never lag on their journey:—­how often has Livingstone been killed in former years!  Nor is one’s perplexity lessened by past experience, for we find the oldest and most sagacious travellers when consulted are, as a rule, no more to be depended on than the merest tyro in guessing.

With no small satisfaction, the men learnt from the outward-bound caravan that the previous story was a true one, and they were assured that Dr. Livingstone’s son with two Englishmen and a quantity of goods had already reached Unyanyembe.

The country here showed all the appearance of a salt-pan:  indeed a quantity of very good salt was collected by one of the men, who thought he could turn an honest bunch of beads with it at Unyanyembe.

Petty tolls were levied on them.  Kampama’s deputy required four dotis, and an additional tax of six was paid to the chief of the Kanongo when his town was reached.

The Lungwa River bowls away here towards Tanganyika.  It is a quick tumbling stream, leaping amongst the rocks and boulders, and in its deeper pools it affords cool delight to schools of hippopotami.  The men, who had hardly tasted good water since crossing Lambalamfipa, are loud in its praise.  Muanyasere improved relations with the people at the next town by opportunely killing another buffalo, and all took a three days’ rest.  Yet another caravan met them, bound likewise for the interior, and adding further particulars about the Englishmen at Unyanyembe.  This quickened the pace till they found at one stage they were melting two days of the previous outward journey into one.