We had looked forward to arriving at Gondokoro as to a home; we had expected that a boat would have been sent on the chance of finding us, as I had left money in the hands of an agent in Khartoum; but there was literally nothing to receive us, and we were helpless to return.

We had worked for years in misery, such as I have but faintly described, to overcome the difficulties of this hitherto unconquerable exploration.

We had succeeded--and what was the result?
Not even a letter from home to welcome us if alive! As I sat beneath a tree and looked down upon the glorious Nile that flowed a few yards beneath my feet, I pondered upon the value of my toil.

I had traced the river to its great Albert source, and as the mighty stream glided before me, the mystery that had ever shrouded its origin was dissolved.

I no longer looked upon its waters with a feeling approaching to awe, for I knew its home, and had visited its cradle.