“We will pray for you,” they said.

One of the young men she had taught in school said, “I will pray for you, but remember you are asking for death when you go to that wild country.”

It was getting dark when Mary’s boat landed near Ekenge.  The rain was pouring down.  It was a four-mile walk to Ekenge.  Mary and the five children started out.  Mr. Bishop and the men who carried the baggage were to follow.

An eleven-year-old boy was in the lead.  He was the oldest of the five children.  He carried on his head a box filled with tea, sugar, and bread.  An eight-year-old child followed him carrying a teakettle and cooking pots.  Next came a three-year-old who held tight to little Janie’s hand.  Then came Mary carrying a baby girl and a bundle of food.

The children slipped in the mud.  They became soaked by the rain.  The jungle was dark around them and strange noises came from all sides.  The children began to cry.  They were hungry and scared.

“Don’t cry children,” said Mary.  “Remember Jesus is watching over us.  He will take care of us.  Soon we will be in the village and then we can have something to eat and we can put on dry clothes.”

They marched on.  At last they came to the village.  The village was dark and still.  “Hello, hello,” called Mary.  “Is anyone here?”

No one answered.  Mary called again.  At last two slaves came.

“Ma,” said the oldest slave, “the chief did not know you were coming today.  The mother of the chief at Ifako died and all the people have gone to Ifako for the burying.”

“All right,” said Mary.  “We will wait here then for Mr. Bishop and the baggage carriers.”

“I will send a messenger to Chief Edem,” said the slave, “to tell him that you have come.”

Mary took some of her food and cooked it over an open fire in the pouring rain.  She fed the children and put them to bed.

At last Mr. Bishop came to the village.

“I am sorry, Miss Slessor,” he said.  “The carriers will not bring anything until tomorrow.  They are tired.  They are afraid of the jungle trail.”

“But tomorrow is Sunday,” said Mary.  “It would be a bad example for them to do work for us on Sunday.  I will not have them work tomorrow.”

“John,” said Mary, turning to a young man who had come with Mr. Bishop, “you go back and tell the carriers they must come tonight for we need food and dry clothing.”

After the young man had gone, Mary decided she should go and help.  She took off her muddy shoes and started back through the dark and fearful jungle.  Mary was afraid when she heard the snarls of animals in the jungle, but she put her trust in God and went on.

As Mary came near to the beach she met John.

“Ma Mary,” he said, “the men will not come.  They will not bring the things until the daylight chases away the hidden dangers of the jungle.”