Some Heroes of Travel: or, Chapters from the History of Geographical Discovery and EnterpriseAdams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
History
Some Heroes of Travel: or, Chapters from the History of Geographical Discovery and Enterprise
Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
Discoveries in geography; Explorers
Alexina Tinné, with Mr. and Mrs. Petherick, made numerous excursions in
the neighbourhood of Lake Reg, in one of which they were surprised by a
terrible storm. In the memory of living man no such hurricane had been
known; and it seemed to spend its worst fury upon the traveller’s
caravan, which it threatened every moment to sweep from the earth. When
it had somewhat subsided, other difficulties arose. The soldiers who
formed the escort were not only inveterately idle, but irrepressibly
dishonest; while as for the negroes, they were contumacious, and refused
to follow the route indicated by their employer. A serious disturbance
was on the point of breaking out, when the gale returned with fresh
violence, tore down at least half of the encampment, and almost
suffocated Alexina Tinné amidst the wreckage of her hut. While it
lasted, terror prevented her followers from resorting to acts of open
insubordination; but they regained their audacity as the tempest passed
away, and, declaring that their supply of food was insufficient, demanded
larger rations. A general mutiny seemed imminent; but the fair leader of
the expedition was equal to the occasion. Though suffering from bodily
pain and weakness, she boldly confronted the insurgents; with flashing
eye, and in a fierce voice, addressed to them a severe reprimand, and
ordered them to lay down their arms. Her intrepid demeanour awed them
into submission, and the encounter ended in their humbly supplicating her
forgiveness.
The crisis over, her overwrought system gave way. So serious was her
illness that at one time recovery seemed impossible, and the deepest
sorrow was manifested by the whole camp. Quinine, however, which is the
sheet-anchor (so to speak) of African travellers, saved her. A gradual
improvement took place, and by the 30th of May all danger had
disappeared.
As soon as she was able to move, she gave orders for the expedition to
advance. It travelled by short stages; and when, towards night, Miss
Tinné came upon a village which promised convenient quarters, she sent
for the sheikh, and the gift of a few beads was sufficient to make him
expel from their huts the native families. Without striking a blow, the
travellers got possession of the place, and in a few hours had settled
themselves comfortably, while taking due care of their camels and cattle.
As for the dispossessed inhabitants, they were left to find what shelter
or accommodation they could, consoling themselves with the promise of
ample compensation on the morrow.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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