For millennia the location of the Nile River’s headwaters was shrouded in mystery. In the 19th century, there was a frenzy of interest in ancient Egypt. At the same time, European powers sent off waves of explorations intended to map the unknown corners of the globe—and extend their colonial empires.

Maps on endpapers.

A blaze of light --Shadows -- Bond for our blood -- The Abban -- The enemy is upon us -- Into the mouth of Hell -- What a curse is a heart -- Horror vacui -- Bombay -- Death was written -- An old enemy -- Tanganyika -- To the end of the world -- The knives are sheathed -- 'Twas me he shot -- An exile's dream -- Hard as bricks -- The prince -- Damn their souls -- Neston Park -- The weary heart grows cold.