The School Friends; Or, Nothing New
Page 31
entreatthat you will allow him to accompany me."
For a considerable time Kanenge did not speak. A great struggle wastaking place within him. At length he answered--
"He shall go with you, my son. You have said what is true; only,remember your promise, that he is to return here to see me ere I die."
Martin again assured Kanenge that should God spare his life, Kibo wouldreturn with a white missionary to instruct him and his people, and thenhastened away to communicate to his friend the joyful intelligence.
Preparations for their departure were now made, and the waggon beingwell loaded, Martin and his two young companions, with Masiko asconductor, set out on his journey southward across the desert. TheHottentot driver and four of his men survived, while several of theMakololo gladly undertook to fill the places of the others and to formthe necessary escort. Kanenge accompanied them for a couple of days ontheir journey, urging Martin to come back with Kibo, and promising togive him a warm reception.
The journey across the desert was performed without an accident. Martinhad no intention of following the life of a trader, having far higheraims in view. He without difficulty disposed of his waggon and itsvaluable cargo, and with Mr Warden's assistance, invested the proceeds,which were sufficient not only to supply his very moderate wants for thepresent but for the future. He at once began diligently to preparehimself for the important duties of a missionary, Kibo and Telofollowing his example. The three young men were in the course of a fewyears fitted to go forth on their destined work, and were the means ofbringing many in that long-benighted region out of Nature's darknessinto the glorious light of the Gospel.
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The End.