84 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XI 



CHAPTER XI. 



ARRIVAL AT MOSEGA, THE CAPITAL OF THE 



CHIEF MOSELEKATSE. 



Late in the evening we were agreeably surprised 

 by the auspicious arrival of four Matabili warriors 

 from Mosega, bringing a civil message from the 

 deputy- governor, who, in the absence of Mosele- 

 katse, and of his prime-minister Kalipi, had been 

 apprized by Andries of our advent. Tall, straight, 

 well-proportioned, and of regular features, these men, 

 although of very dark complexion, were far superior 

 in appearance to any tribe that we had hitherto 

 seen. Their heads were shaven, and surmounted 

 by an oval ring attached to tha scalp ; a large 

 perforation in the lobe of one ear receiving a small 

 gourd snuff-box. Their dress consisted of a leathern 

 girdle, with a few strips of cat-skin attached to the 

 front and rear ; and each was armed with two short 

 javelins, and a knobbed stick used for throwing. 

 We made them heartily welcome to our fireside — 

 filled their stomachs with beef, and their boxes with 

 snuff, and left them making their nests among the 

 sheltered bushes on the river bank. A strong 

 disagreeable wind setting in, completely destroyed 

 the fire ; and after we had retired, it increased to 

 such a perfect hurricane that sleep was out of the 



