68 moloka's intervention. 



Livingstone ? But Gegara had already proved him- 

 self such a liar that but little faith could be placed in 

 what he said. 



Just before dusk, Moloka came and told us that 

 the Makololos would come no further, and had made 

 up their minds to return to Chibisa. This was an un- 

 pleasant piece of information. I told Mr. Young that 

 now was the time for us to open the ball ; so taking 

 Moloka and an interpreter, we spoke to him by him- 

 self, as arranged. He said he would not leave us ; 

 but the other men had, after much consultation, 

 agreed to give up their guns, &c., and return the fol- 

 lowing day. However, he promised to do all he could 

 to bring them, and started off to their part of the 

 camp for that purpose. In a few minutes all the 

 Makololos might be seen in solemn consultation round 

 their fire. Moloka appeared to be talking quietly to 

 them ; but Chippootoolah, Mobita, and one or two 

 more who were smoking bang (hemp-seed, which they 

 smoke till violent coughing is caused, and, as they say, 

 '' their heads begin to turn round," having more or 

 less the effect of opium), were very noisy; while the 

 remainder listened attentively, gazing intently into the 

 speaker's face. I felt there was every reason for 

 hope from the general aspect of the assembly ; but 

 Mr. Young looked upon the case as almost hopeless, 

 and while they were busy considering their part of 

 the question we were considering what we should do 

 in case Moloka should be unsuccessful. We finally 

 agreed to send for the Shupanga men, and all our 

 hands left at Chibisa. Presently we saw Moloka 

 stand up, for our eyes were never off the Makololo 



