My companions now made signs to me that I might go on alone, as they did not feel disposed to trust themselves within the village until they had ascertained the disposition of the inhabitants. Leading the zebra, I therefore walked on till I came in sight of a gate at the end of the principal street, if I may so call it, it being always remembered that the houses were only reed huts, and the gates were composed of rough poles. As I neared it several people issued forth with javelins in their hands, and, vociferating loudly, rushed towards me. My gun was slung at my back, so I held up my hands to show that I had no intention of attacking them. On this they somewhat slackened their pace, though they still held their weapons in a threatening manner. I knew that my best chance of safety was to advance boldly without showing any sign of fear. This had the desired effect, and they now came on in a more friendly manner. They showed signs of astonishment at seeing the zebra in my company, and, I observed, paid me more respect from believing that I had the power of taming an animal so generally untameable. We were still at some little distance from the gates, when another person came out. Seeing me, he rushed forward, and breaking through the people who surrounded me, threw himself at my feet. Greatly to my delight I recognised young Mango. Tears dropped from his eyes as he took my hands. "O massa, so glad! so glad!" he exclaimed, showing that he had not forgotten his small knowledge of English. "And Leo?" I asked, taking him by the hand; "where is he?" "Gone! gone!" he answered. My heart sank as I heard this. "What! dead?" I exclaimed, the thought of the grief his death would cause his sisters and Natty, indeed all of us, coming into my mind. I was greatly relieved when Mango answered-- "No, massa, not dead; but gone away," and he pointed south. "What I did any one come to take him away, or did he go all alone?" "Yes, massa, all alone," said Mango. "He run away. Dey catchy me, and bring back." This was indeed disappointing. Still, I hoped that he might reach some place of safety, or that possibly I might find him. On making further inquiries of Mango, I ascertained that he had started only two days before. Then I thought, perhaps he has gone towards Kabomba; I may actually have passed him on the road.