Summary

In “The Knives are Sheathed,” Speke nearly died from disease on the journey to the coast from Kazeh. Burton stayed at his side, determined to save his life. In his delirium, Speke aired his grievances with Burton. After arriving in Zanzibar, Burton noticed that his enemy Rigby and Speke had become instant companions. Speke and Rigby commiserated about their hatred for Burton. Their brooding resulted in Rigby denying promised payment to many of Burton’s men, an action that caused the locals to direct their bitterness towards all of the Britons in the region. Speke travelled back to Britain before Burton and promised his commander that he would not visit with the Royal Geographical Society until Burton’s arrival.

In “’Twas Me He Shot,” Speke arrived in London and immediately set about taking credit for the discovery of the source of the Nile...