CHAPTER III.

RETARDED BY RAINS AND OTHER MISHAPS.--GENERAL DESPONDENCY.--DEATH OF EDWARD POCOCK.--A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER.--A LAND OF PLENTY.--ARRIVAL AT VICTORIA LAKE.--NATIVE SONG.--AFLOAT ON THE GREAT LAKE.--TERRIBLE TALES OF THE INHABITANTS.--ENCOUNTERS WITH THE NATIVES.--THE VICTORIA NILE.--RIPON FALLS.--SPEKE'S EXPLORATIONS.--THE ALEXANDRA NILE.--ARRIVAL AT KING MTESA'S COURT.--A MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION.--IN THE MONARCH'S PRESENCE.--STANLEY'S FIRST OPINIONS OF MTESA. 53