128 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XV. 



preceding him as before, rent the air with shouts 

 and acclamations, until " the great black one'' had 

 re-entered his kraal. 



During this serious yet laughable interview, we 

 were not a little surprised to observe that the guides, 

 who had by their freedom rendered themselves so 

 highly offensive to us, continued bruising and snuff- 

 ing tobacco, without appearing the least abashed 

 in the royal presence. Whilst every one else cringed 

 beneath the tyrant's glance with obsequious humility, 

 they alone appeared at ease, nor were we able to 

 account for this behaviour, otherwise than by con- 

 jecturing that their loo palpable office of spies upon 

 our actions admitted them to these liberties. They 

 had never quitted the waggons for a single instant 

 since wc left Moocga, bad watched all our actions 

 with the most provoking attention, and on our 

 arrival at Kapain, had doubtless reported to the 

 king every, the most minute, circumstance that had 

 transpired. 



