330 FEMALE HEROISM. 



on their merits. Thus we may say that the 

 Bechuanas are governed by a Court of Equity, 

 unbiassed by any technicalities. 



The majority of their disputes arise in reference 

 to the possession of gardens and cattle, trespass, 

 or conjugal infidelity, and the penalties awarded are 

 invariably by fine. 



When a member of the tribe considers himself 

 aggrieved, he reports the matter to the chief, when, 

 if the complaint is considered sufficiently serious, 

 a day is appointed for its hearing. 



The defendant is ordered to attend at the Kotla 

 on the date fixed, and to bring his witnesses with 

 him. On such an occasion the chief, or heir to the 

 chieftainship, supported by a numerous staff of the 

 elders, listens to the complaint and defence. 



The elders then decide upon the merits, the 

 voice of the majority invariably ruling. A stranger 

 witnessing one of these trials could not fail to be 

 struck with the vehemence, volubility, and powers of 

 oratory these uneducated people possess, and to 

 admire, if not to laugh at, the deep and cutting 

 sarcasm frequently displayed, as each cross-examines 

 his opponent and his witnesses. 



The Bechuana language is wonderfully melo- 

 dious, yet capable of being used with great force, 

 while the gestures displayed are frequently most 

 striking and are perfect specimens of pantomimic art. 

 In spite of all this, the people never lose their tern- 



