ALMOST IN DESPAIR. 295 wood all burnt up. We were in a lake away from the real water channel, and so sent off a few men in a small boat to try and make their way to Shambil, and bring assistance. The days passed wearily, but still the men did not return, and fears were expressed on all sides that they were lost ; our provisions were almost at an end, and famine stared us in the face. I confess that on October 4, the fortysecond day from leaving Fashoda, I was very downhearted, and almost gave myself over to despair, all seemed so dark and hopeless. Little was said by any of us, but after an attempt at dinner we retired to our cabins. There the little case containing the photographs of my dear ones at home caught my eye ; it was always near at hand, and in times of difficulty the sight of their faces had often cheered and comforted me, and so it was now, they all looked so peaceful and calm ; and especially my Father seemed to say, " Trust in God, all will go well."

So I took courage, and went on deck in a happier frame of mind, determined not to give up hope ; and the reward came sooner than I could have dared to imagine, for very soon I heard the cry of " steamer," or rather " vapour ! vapour ! " "What a rush with telescopes we all made to the paddle-boxes and bridge ! and there sure enough in the far distance was something, hardly a steamer, but we could see a mast ; every one was almost wild with delight ; we ran the flag up to the masthead, and then saw our