Losing very little time, Stanley went to Egypt and secured from the Khedive an official letter to Emin and then went on to Zanzibar to get the necessary people. He was especially fortunate in securing Tippoo Tib, a leading trader and investor in Central Africa, and a near neighbor of the Congo Free State. Stanley feared if he did not attach this man to his service, who had almost princely power, the Arabs in the interior might play havoc with his expedition. His preparations gave him more trouble than he had expected. When he reached the mouth of the Congo and found the vessels which the King of Belgium had placed at his disposal, they were all unfit for use. It was only with the greatest exertions that three of them were put in tolerable condition. They had hardly gone a mile when the screw of the steamer _Peace_ gave out. Then the steamer _Stanley_ got out of order and there was no end to his troubles and disappointments. The situation, however, was not very serious so long as they were sailing up the river and ever and again passing stations belonging to the Congo Free State. At last, however, they must leave the river and travel on foot through an unknown wilderness.
Owing to the unfitness of the steamers, the larger part of the baggage had been left behind and was to be brought through the forests by Tippoo Tib's carriers. Stanley was eager to advance, for the last he heard from Emin was the words, "If Stanley does not come soon, we shall be lost." He therefore decided to go ahead with the best of his men, leaving a rearguard at Jambuja under Major Bartelot. The major was assigned the unenviable duty of awaiting the arrival of the baggage and carriers with two hundred sick and crippled men on his hands, and then follow Stanley by routes which would be marked out for him. Greatly to his consolation, Lieutenant Jameson was left with him. Jephson and Dr. Parke were with the advance. Many hands were busied with preparations for departure and then the horn gave the signal for advance. Stanley took the lead, with Lieutenant Nelson in the rear, to prevent straggling.
"Which way is it, guide?" asked Stanley of a tall naked man with a magnificent helmet, such as the Greeks used to wear.