FEMALE HEROISM. 



331 



pers, and ever appear impressed with the sacredness 

 of the tribunal before which they are arraigned, and 

 the majesty of the inclosure within which all such 

 affairs are decided. 



A verdict once obtained is final and cannot be 

 appealed against, and when once the fiat goes forth, 

 not another word, not even a comment, is heard 

 upon the subject. No stay of execution is ever 

 asked for, for it would not be granted, and there 

 and then the fine must be paid, or security obtained 

 for its payment. 



As specie was little known and less used in this 

 country until a very late date, oxen, sheep, or grain 

 were the legal tender. In rare instances, where the 

 unsuccessful litigant has failed to find security for the 

 fine, he has been sent to work for his successful op- 

 ponent for a shorter or longer period, according to 

 the gravity of the offence. 



During my numerous visits to Bechuanaland, I 

 never knew but one case of capital punishment, and 

 the victim in this instance might have easily escaped 

 her doom, if she had thought proper. In fact, every- 

 one hoped she would do so. 



It was a sad affair from start to finish, but I may 

 as well narrate it from the beginning. 



When at Kania, I had often heard of the beauty 

 of one of the girls, who, twice daily, after the manner 

 of her tribe, visited the spring for water. Several 

 times I went to the pit with the hope of seeing her, 



