They were at once surrounded by a party of the natives, and, on refusing to give up Songoro to his enemies, Lieutenant Smith and Mr.O'Neill, together with all the men who were with them, were murdered on December 7.
Only two days before, Lieutenant Smith had written a letter to a friend in England, in which were these words: 'One feels very near to heaven here, for who knows what a day may bring forth ?' Only one of the five who had arrived at the lake was now left, Mr.
Wilson, the clergyman.

But, thank God, man after man has offered himself to fill up the vacant places.

Some have fallen, some still remain, labouring on.
The people blessed the men who willingly offered themselves for the post of danger.

Should we not bless them too?
Should we not day by day call down blessings on the brave noble missionaries?
Should we not pray for them, that strength and courage may be given them?
Should we not help them all we can?
Let our daily prayer be: 'Lord, bless them all! Thy workers in the field, Where'er they be; Prosper them, Lord, and bless Their work for Thee-- Lord, bless them all.
Lord, bless them all! Give them Thy smile to-day, Cheer each faint heart, More of Thy grace, more strength, Saviour, impart; Lord, bless them all!' The post of danger is the post of honour, and at that post of honour Mr.
Mackay, the engineer, died, February 8, 1890.

For thirteen years he had bravely held on to his work.