" But the threat had the desired
effect, and in the morning King Susko, who was now on a sick bed,
sent word that they should go through unmolested.
And go through they did, through jungles and over plains, across
rivers and lakes and treacherous swamps, watching continually for
their enemies, and bringing down many a savage beast that showed
itself. On the return they fell in with Mortimer Blaze, and he,
being a crack shot, added much to the strength of their command.
At last Kwa was reached, and here they found themselves under the
protection of several European military organizations. The native
women and children were released, much to their joy, and my
readers can rest assured that these Africans lost no time in
getting back to that portion of the Dark Continent which they
called home.
From Kwa to Boma the journey was comparatively easy. At Stanley
Pool they rested for a week, and all in the party felt the better
for it.
"Some day I will go back and open up the mines I have discovered,"
said Anderson Rover. "But not now. I want to see my own dear
native land first."
At Boma news awaited them. Josiah Crabtree had turned up and been
joined by Dan Baxter, and both had left for parts unknown.
"I hope we never see them again," said Dick, and his brothers said
the same.
An American ship was in port, bound for Baltimore, and all of our
party, including the Yale students, succeeded in obtaining passage
on her for home.
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