They entered the tent, which was illuminated by a wax light. Stanley beheld with astonishment (as he said afterwards) a man whom he might have taken for a professor of law as he sat there in his clean, nicely fitting snow-white attire. His face showed no trace of illness or anxiety, but bespoke good physical condition and a peaceful mind. Captain Casati, on the other hand, looked old, haggard, and worn with care. The two men occupied the greater part of the hours in conversation about the events of Stanley’s journey, European affairs, occurrences in the Equatorial Provinces, as well as personal matters. Stanley was surprised at Emin’s intimate knowledge of European events, which he had gathered from a few old newspapers that had found their way to him. The close of the joyous meeting was celebrated with a bottle of champagne Stanley had brought with him through the wilderness. On the next morning Stanley went with his Zanzibarites to the steamer where they were welcomed with music by the Pasha’s Soudanese, who stood in parade order on the shore. By the side of these stalwart figures Stanley’s lean and exhausted people seemed pitiful. Emin supplied the expedition as well as he could with shoes, garments, tobacco, salt, honey, corn and grain, which had been sent to him from Europe. They were exchanging rôles. A disagreeable dark shadow obscured the joy which should have been complete. With absolute confidence in his lucky star, Stanley started the question about the return home in accordance with the request of the Khedive of Egypt. Emin stated his position as well as that of the majority of his officials. But the Soudanese already regarded with mistrusting hearts this expedition which had been so loudly praised by the governor and which they had looked upon as the source of their safety. Of what value were thirty chests of Remington cartridges? That was all that had been brought for Emin. They cared nothing for the situation in the Equatorial Provinces. Emin deeply felt the painful impression which the description of the wretchedness suffered and the difficulties in the way must make upon his people. He repeatedly urged Stanley to show himself to his people and to visit the adjacent provinces that could be reached by steamer. Stanley, however, declined, for he must depart at once to look after Major Bartelot and the reserve. An agreement was made that all those Soudanese and Egyptians who wished to return to Egypt should come together at Nssabe on the Albert Nyanza to await Stanley’s return with the rest of his people and the supplies left in Jambuja. Knowing the sure and unavoidable danger accompanying Stanley’s journey through the forest, they would take their way eastward to Zanzibar via Karagwe and Usukuma.