TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 137 difficulties, both from the disposition of the natives and the advanced state of the season, was sufficiently gloomy to make the bravest despond, and the most sanguine entertain doubts of success,—they nevertheless all appeared cheerful and happy in being selected to the service.

To Mr. Dochard's own discretion and judgment I left altogether the means, as well as mode, of entering into arrangements with Dhaa for our passage through, and protection in his country ; and from my knowledge of Mr. Dochard's extreme anxiety and determination to bring (inasmuch as lay in his power) our enterprize to a happy conclusion, I felt satisfied that I could not have entrusted this service into more able or patient hands ; the latter being an accomplishment most necessary, indeed indispensably so, in that country.

The party left the camp on the 23d, at four o'clock in the afternoon. I accompanied them some distance, and, when taking leave of them, I felt that I had myself more occasion to apprehend their never returning than they appeared to entertain; indeed I felt, when giving Mr. Dochard the parting shake of the hand, that 1 was bidding adieu for ever, as it were, to the nearest and dearest friend I had in the world.

In order to induce Lamina to forward our views (it Sego, and to conduct himself with kindness