Dr Livingstone , I presume ? Stanley , sent by the New York Herald to search for Dr Livingstone , who had disappeared into " Darkest Africa " nearly three years before , suddenly found the missing explorer . At the easter shore of Lake Tanganyika , he saw among a group of Arabs a pale looking , grey bearded man in a blue jacket and a naval cap with a faded gold band . He was overcome with joy , but decided on a restraint before the Arabs . He advanced saluted and said ' Dr Livingtone , I presume ? ' The white stranger replied simply , ' Yes ' 1872