312 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



such wonderful patterns on the bosom and collar as 

 he had ; his wristbands came farther over his hands, 

 and more of his throat was exposed than any one else's 

 in the community. Without saying that he was a 

 boaster, he talked loud and emphatically in fact, was 

 exceedingly pompous and self-satisfied. But a most 

 amusing change came over him, and the Charlie that 

 was ceased to be the Charlie of the future. Up to the 

 date of this alteration, not a soul knew that he was a 

 deserter, but imagined that he was a person of position 

 trading for amusement, to collect curiosities, or by both 

 means helping to defray a portion of his expenses. 



One evening a stranger arrived at Soshong ; no 

 one knew whence he came or whither he was going. 

 He was on foot, and without baggage. But this mat- 

 tered not : the South African trader does not ask his 

 guests their means ; it is sufficient that they are white 

 men, and as white men they are treated. Thus, the 

 traveller was welcomed at the first house he called 

 at, and became for the time being a member of the 

 establishment. Soon he was introduced, and as it was 

 evident that he was a man of education, he received 

 invitations to visit the various members of the small 

 community. 



Now at Soshong exists a custom, doubtless not at 

 all peculiar, of the residents assembling nightly at some 

 house or other to play at cards, loo being generally the 

 game. As the unknown was fond of cards, and apparently 

 possessed plenty of money, he was a welcome guest at 

 these little reunions. 



Thus stood the state of affairs when Charlie made 

 his second appearance in the Capital of Bamanwatto. 



The unknown it would be well to describe. He 



