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CHAPTER XXXVI. 



MY BLACK BABY. 



Many — so-called civilised — races would benefit by 

 association with the Mashoona people, particularly if 

 they followed their example in how they conducted 

 trade. 



On the morrow, soon after breakfast, my visitors 

 again interviewed me ; earnest and long were their 

 solicitations that I should buy their ivory, and to my 

 great regret I had to decline compliance with their 

 request, although ultimately the price demanded for 

 it was almost like giving it away. 



While this chaffering was going on a fearful event 

 took place close to the camp, which threw an air ol 

 sorrow and gloom over all its occupants ; but I will 

 commence the story from the beginning. 



It will be remembered by my readers that my 

 people had picked up a deserted child — a poor little 

 starved waif, in the worst of health, and suffering 

 severely from skin disease and other ailments that 

 result from a lack of cleanliness. Good care, an 

 abundance of food, and frequent ablutions had, in an 

 incredibly short time, transformed the repulsive imp 

 into a very attractive and precocious youngster. 



A few days before I went up the river, a party of 

 natives who paid me a visit, claimed my protdgd, I 



