At length most of the tusks in the neighbourhood were bought up, and as Mr Vincent had still some goods remaining, he wished to move further on. He was, however, still so ill that he agreed, at the suggestion of his son, to entrust the goods to Kanenge, who promised faithfully to take care of them till his return. He accordingly determined to set out at once, hoping that the air of the desert would restore him to health, and the preparations for the journey being completed, the waggon, with its valuable load of ivory, descended to the plain. Kanenge, with most of his men, escorted it; while Martin and Kibo remained with Mr Vincent, who, should he feel stronger, was to follow the next day on a litter.
Martin’s spirits now revived, and he began to hope that, the journey being commenced, his father would ultimately recover. His chief sorrow was with regard to Kibo. The Makololo chief positively refused to allow him to return. Martin entreated him to remain true to his faith, instead of falling into the ways of his tribe. “Try and instruct them, my dear Kibo,” he said. “Young as you are you may be the means of spreading the glorious truths of the Gospel among them.”
“You pray for me then,” said Kibo. “I poor boy, I very weak, I do nothing by myself.”
“We are all very weak and helpless in God’s work,” said Martin. “If you seek the aid of the Holy Spirit, you will have strength given you.”
“Ah, yes,” said Kibo; “I no trust to myself, and then I strong and do much.”
This conversation took place at the door of the hut.
Martin thought he heard his father call to him. He ran to the side of his couch. Mr Vincent put forth his hand to take that of his son.
“Bless you, my boy,” he whispered; “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.”
Martin put his arm under his father’s head. The trader’s eyes fixed to the last on his boy, the film of death stole over them, and ere a few minutes had passed he had ceased to breathe.
Kibo left his friend for a time to indulge his grief alone, while he sent off a message to inform Kanenge of Mr Vincent’s death.