to
go ahead. After consulting with Frank Selous, the famous African
hunter, and others familiar with the field, he pitched upon Mashonaland
as the first base of operations. Dr. L. S. Jameson was deputed to go to
Bulawayo and get Lobengula's express license for this undertaking. The
envoy made all possible haste in his mission, and won the king's favor
so quickly by his tactful bearing that the entry to Mashonaland was
conceded. Rhodes lost no time in taking advantage of this
opportunity. A force of five hundred armed men were enlisted under the
chartered right to an adequate " police," and two hundred pioneers were
hired to make a passable wagon road to Mashonaland. Colonel
Pennyfather was placed in command.
Meanwhile, the fickle Lobengula changed his mind when Dr. Jameson was no longer by his side to persuade him, and sent
