Xteof23. ^ssuec^ ^ie men W^° ta d overrun so much of the
upoto. left bank. As the main force of the flood sheered
towards the left bank in this locality, we could only
occasionally follow the right bank. The cold winds
met in our rapid descent by steam and with the current
prostrated us. This was the first time I had suffered
the slightest indisposition for months, because while
ascending the river we had been retiring before the
wind. In coming down from Stanley Falls as far as
Upoto, we were proceeding towards the flank of the
wind-current. When we finally began to descend
along the south-westerly stretch—the force of the current,
between two and three knots, blowing up from
sea six'knot speed of the steamers, increased the
force of the wind which we had to face to about nine
knots, which, at once checked the insensible perspiration,
and deranged the system. Two whites and a
coloured man fell victims to the first day’s experience
of this peculiar change. Glass windows, which would
have served as a protection against the wind, and
enabled us to pilot the steamers, would have saved us
many a day’s illness.
On the 24th we passed by other. villages of the
Wabika, who have been in their turn harried by the
Bangala. I t has taught them to build their village
lines along small tributaries of the Congo, the inouths
of which can be blocked, and by which they present
insignificant points to the foe, and secure safe retreats
inland when the Bangala are on one of their raiding
expeditions.