Maizan, although
a bad example to the people, had been so punished as to render an
immediate repetition of the outrage improbable. I say immediate,
for, shortly after our return, the unfortunate Herr Roscher was
killed at the Hisonguni village, near the Rufuma River, without
apparent reason. [FN#22]
But M. du Chaillu had a very different task, and as far as he
went he did it well. His second expedition, in which an
accidental death raised the country against him, was fortunately
undertaken by a man in the prime of youth and strength; otherwise
he must have succumbed to a nine hours' run, wounded withal. In
East Africa when one of Lieutenant Cameron's "pagazis" happened
to kill a native, the white man was mulcted only in half his
cloth.
On the other hand, I see no reason why these untrodden lines
should be pronounced impossible, as a writer in the "Pall Mall"
has lately done, deterring the explorer from work which every day
would cover new ground. The Gaboon is by no means a bad point de
depart, whence the resolute traveller, with perseverance (Anglice
time), a knowledge of the coast language, and good luck might
penetrate into the heart (proper) of Africa, and abolish the
white blot which still affronts us.
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