CHAPTER XVIII.

START FOR THE RELIEF OF THE REAR COLUMN.

Escorted by various tribes to Mukangi--Camp at Ukuba village--Arrival at Fort Bodo--Our invalids in Ugarrowwa's care--Lieut. Stairs' report on his visit to bring up the invalids to Fort Bodo--Night visits by the malicious dwarfs--A general muster of the garrison--I decide to conduct the Relief force in person--Captain Nelson's ill-health--My little fox-terrier "Randy"--Description of the fort--The Zanzibaris--Estimated time to perform the journey to Yambuya and back--Lieut. Stairs' suggestion about the steamer _Stanley_--Conversation with Lieut. Stairs in reference to Major Barttelot and the Rear Column--Letter of instructions to Lieut. Stairs 452