A " MELODIOUS " INSTRUMENT. 29 



of mystery, I drew out that noble and melodious 

 instrument a Jew's harp! and beginning to play 

 a lively tune, the pipes of the Hottentots were 

 instantly laid aside, and every one employed in 

 gazing at me, with mouth half open, arms ex- 

 tended, and fingers stretched asunder. They might 

 have furnished an excellent idea to a painter who 

 wished to represent a group of figures struck by 

 the powers of enchantment. Their astonishment 

 was more than equalled by the pleasure they felt, 

 as they listened intently that they might not lose 

 a single sound. 



" When I ceased playing, I gave the harp to the 

 nearest Hottentot, but had some difficulty in teach- 

 ing him how to use it, which, having accomplished, 

 I sent him to his place, and not wishing to make 

 any difference among them, gave one to each. 

 Some played tolerably, some ill, some horribly ; in 

 truth, it was a discord that might have scared a 

 set of furies ; even my oxen, frightened at such an 

 unusual noise, bellowed hideously ; and in every 

 part of our camp there was a mixture of sounds 

 that exceeded description. At length, by a motion 

 of my hand, I made them understand I had some- 

 thing to say. In an instant every one was silent. 

 I then proposed that we should terminate our feast 

 by drinking a bumper of brandy each to the health 

 of our absent friends. 



