THE CONGO.
1883.
July 21!
Léopold-
ville.
young continental officer to undertake the duty. He 1
readily acquiesced, expressing himself indeed as ex- I
tremely desirous to have his fidelity and capacity tested I
previous to promotion, and the public recognition of I
his zeal and intelligence. He and his hand of fourteen a
picked men were transported across the river, and duly I
introduced to the chief, who consented to receive him I
as his brother. The young officer received his final I
instructions with a strong injunction to he prudent, I
good tempered, and forbearing, and always charitable I
in his dealings with the aborigines as well as with
bis own people.
Eight days passed away, and then from across the I
river came a rumour of trouble. A boat was hastily I
manned and sent to inquire for news, which, in a few I
hours, returned with the young officer, pale and excited, I
with his face scratched and his clothes in disorder, and I
two of his own garrison with him. The coxswain1 of I
the boat reported that he had gone across the river, I
and had found the military officer bound hand and I
foot.-
Two of his • own men guarded him, and they told
the coxswain a curious tale. He had, however, on his I
own responsibility set the officer at liberty, and had
• brought him, along with his men, to Leopoldville^ to
answer for themselves.
The officer related how he had detected a plot to
murder him and take the property, upon which he had
attempted to shoot the supposed ringleader in the conspiracy,
but had only succeeded in wounding him,