152 marenga's visit to the boat. 



Almanack for 1866." This fixed the date beyond a 

 doubt. 



Marenga now took a long pull at the pombe, and 

 underwent another operation. Mr. Young then pre- 

 sented him with some cloth, beads, and a red cap, 

 which delighted him beyond measure; and, having 

 first carefully examined the articles and placed the 

 cap on his head, he called on his wives to thank us. 

 This they did by clapping their hands, and making a 

 shrill noise with their mouths, wagging their tongues 

 at a tremendous pace. This row was continued for 

 several minutes, and amused us much. We invited 

 him to come and see the boat, and he accepted 

 our invitation. Taking Mr. Young's arm on one 

 side and mine on the other, this Babisa chief stag- 

 gered along, laughing and joking all the way. We 

 looked like a couple of "the force" taking home a 

 drunken man. Six of his wives, by order, accom- 

 panied him to the boat, and when we reached her 

 these ladies took their lord and master in their arms, 

 and lifted him over the gunwale, while two who 

 followed him sat down in the bows. Guns, pistols, 

 &c. — in fact everything in the boat — had to be shown 

 to the chief, and those articles which he admired 

 most he did not hesitate to ask for. He took a great 

 fancy to my cornet and double rifle, and it was some 

 time before I succeeded in assuring him that he was 

 not likely to get either. Being particularly struck by 

 some towels that were lying out, he had the cheek to 

 put them round his neck and make them his own. 

 However, we were not to be done, and made him put 

 them back. 



