420 IMMODEKATE LAUGHTEll PRESENTS. 



ing to it some unintelligible words, the whole assembly burst 

 out into a deafening roar of laughter. Indeed, the mirth be- 

 came so outrageous as to throw the party into convulsions, 

 many casting themselves at full length on the ground, with 

 their hands tightly clasped across their stomachs, as if in fear 

 of bursting, while their greasy cheeks became furrowed with 

 tears trickling down in streams. Fancy, reader, a royal cor- 

 tege prostrated in the dust by laughter ! Although this mer- 

 riment was, no doubt, at my expense, the sight more amused 

 than annoyed me. 



As soon as the noise had subsided, I brought forward my 

 presents for the chief, consistmg of beads, knives, tobacco, 

 snuff, steel chains, rings, blue calico, red woolen caps, and 

 trinkets of various kinds. Without deigning even a look of 

 satisfaction, Lecholetebe silently distributed the goods among 

 the principal of his men who were grouped around him, re- 

 serving, apparently, nothing to himself This being done, he 

 looked anxiously round, from which I inferred that some un- 

 gratified desu'e was still on his heart. Nor was I deceived; 

 for all at once he inquired whether I had not brought him 

 some powder and lead, which he might barter for ivory. I 

 told him that I had some ; but, firstly, it was not more than 

 I myself wanted; and, secondly, I was prohibited by the 

 British government at the Cape from disposing of either arms 

 or ammunition, and that I could not think of disobeying these 

 orders. 



At this declaration his countenance fell, and I saw clear- 

 ly that he was very much annoyed. But I was prepared for 

 his displeasure ; and, by opportunely placing in his hand a 

 double-barreled pistol, which I had previously been informed 

 he coveted excessively, and which I begged him to accept as 

 a memento of my visit, his visage soon beamed with delight 

 and satisfaction, and we became excellent friends. 



When Europeans first visited the Lake, they were, I am 

 told, liberally entertained by Lecholetebe ; but, whatever ci- 



