I48 THROUGH GASA LAND. 



Sunday skinning one of the victims, when half ot 

 the Mantatees from the camp put in an appearance. 

 They must have followed me from a distance — an 

 objectionable habit that they are addicted to 

 oftener than I am aware of. One thing I will give 

 them credit for, viz., that they take care not to alarm 

 the game I am in pursuit of. Selfishness probably 

 dictates this, as well they know that they always 

 come in for the lion's share of the spoils obtained. 



Leaving Sunday to see these gentry loaded with 

 the meat, I started homewards, and got into a drove 

 of baboons — forty or fifty in number — who made a 

 most threatening demonstration against me. If I 

 had not presented a bold front, I almost think they 

 would have attempted an attack. Women and 

 children, if placed in such a position, would get 

 frightened ; then attempt to run away, so get mal- 

 treated by these otherwise harmless beasts. It is, 

 moreover, a well-known fact that baboons have not 

 the same fear or, may I add, respect for a coloured 

 man that they have for a white one. 



