For many years explorations in Africa were made simply to gratify curiosity, or from a desire to penetrate beyond lines reached by other men. All the results desired or expected were amusement or fame. But in later years African explorations have assumed an entirely different aspect. From Livingstone, who first began to open up "the dark continent," to Cameron and Stanley who pierced its very heart, all explorations have tended to one great end--the civilization and Christianization of the vast population that inhabits it. No matter what the ruling motive may have been in each case, whether, as in Livingstone, to introduce Christianity; or, in Baker, to put a stop to the slave trade; or, in Stanley, to unlock the mystery of ages, still the tendency has been the same: to bring Africa into the family of continents instead of being the earth's "pariah;" to throw light on this black spot of our planet, and make those who inhabit it practically and morally, what they are really, a portion of the human race. Mungo Park, Denham and Clapperton made explorations of considerable value early in the present century, but Livingstone with thirty years of toil in Africa was the real pioneer of successful work. In 1840, at the age of twenty-five, he embarked as a missionary to South Africa, thus entering the land where he lived and died, and which he never left save on two brief visits to his native land. After Livingstone's last return to Africa, circumstantial reports of his death were received. These were subsequently contradicted and other reports of death came. He wrote but few letters and some of these failed to reach their destination; his fate, therefore, remained in painful uncertainty until Bennett sent Stanley to discover him, dead or alive. This commission led to the two expeditions of Stanley, the thrilling events of which are narrated in this volume. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. HENRY M. STANLEY. Stanley's birth-place--Early roving--Extensive travels--Correspondent in Abyssinia--The lost Dr. Livingstone--Bennett's confidence in Stanley--Stanley's marching orders--His interview with Bennett--Off to his work--En route for Africa--Stanley meets Livingstone--Stanley's extreme measures, 17 CHAPTER II. DESCRIPTION OF AFRICA. Inaccessibility of Africa--Extent of Africa--Products of the land, 42 CHAPTER III. STANLEY'S SEARCH FOR LIVINGSTONE. Preparations for the march--The start inland--Wretched surroundings--Death of the horses--Jungle travel--The belles of Kisemo--News of Livingstone--African fever, 49 CHAPTER IV. WILD EXPERIENCES. Slow marching--Irreparable losses--The sultana's judgment--Deliverance from difficulties--In a pitiable plight--New burdens--Incipient mutiny--Forgiveness--Murderous attempt--A man left behind, 68 CHAPTER V. TRIALS BY THE WAY.