“Believe? Yes, I do believe that we shall all emerge into light again some time. It is true that our prospects are as dark as this night. . . . I believe [this river] will prove to be the Congo; if the Congo, then there must be many cataracts . . . whether the Congo, the Niger, or the Nile, I am prepared. . . . Believe? I see us gliding down by tower and town, and my mind will not permit a shadow of doubt. Good-night, my boy! Good-night! and may happy dreams of the sea, and ships, and pleasure, and comfort, and success attend you in your sleep!”
