in encircling their object and using cover to approach 

 and peer out cautiously from behind it, and their 

 evident co-operation and obedience to the leader's 

 directions and example. 



One day while at work in the woods there came to 

 us a grizzled worn-looking old kaffir, whose head ring 

 of polished black wax attested his dignity as a kehla. 

 He carried an old musket and was attended by two 

 youngsters armed with throwing-sticks and a hunting 

 assegai each. He appeared to be a ' somebody ' in 

 a small way, and we knew at a glance that he had not 

 come for nothing. 



There is a certain courtesy and a good deal of 

 formality observed among the natives which is appre- 

 ciated by but few of the white men who come in 

 contact with them. One reason for this failure in 

 appreciation is that native courtesy is in its method 

 and expression sometimes just the reverse of what we 

 consider proper ; and if actions which seem suggestive 

 of disrespect were judged from the native's standpoint, 

 and according to his code, there would be no mis- 

 understanding. The old man, passing and ignoring the 

 group of boys, came towards us as we sat in the shade 

 for the midday rest, and slowly came to a stand a 

 few yards off, leaning on his long flint-lock quietly 

 taking stock of us each in turn, and waiting for us to 

 inspect him. Then, after three or four minutes of this, 

 he proceeded to salute us separately with " Sakubona, 

 Umlungu ! " delivered with measured deliberation at 

 intervals of about a quarter of a minute, each saluta- 

 tion being accompanied by the customary upward 



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