JUMBO'S PROPENSITIES FOR MISCHIEF. 115 



that next moment he would go and repeat it if out 

 of sight or beyond reach of remonstrance. 



However, poor fellow, it will not do to be too 

 hard upon him, for many a kick he got from the 

 cows that had calves, and many a knock from the 

 camp followers. The last I strictly forbade, but my 

 order was not always easily enforced, for Jumbo 

 invariably brought the punishment upon himself as 

 retaliation for some liberty he had taken. Thus, if 

 one of my followers it mattered not whether man 

 or woman (in fact, I think he preferred the latter to 

 practise his jokes upon) made their appearance in a 

 new kaross (skin blanket), he was certain to watch his 

 chance, and when such offered seize it, when he would 

 seldom relinquish his hold upon their late purchase 

 till he had effected a big rent in the valued garment. 



Again, none of their ornaments were safe from 

 his all-seeing eyes, for if not closely watched, he 

 would grab them and carry them to some inacces- 

 sible place, where, with many a grimace and air of 

 intense satisfaction, they would be pulled to pieces. 

 When it is known by the reader that strings of beads 

 are the most valued of the property these people 

 possess, it can be understood that it would be scarcely 

 gratifying to their feelings to see them unstrung and 

 scattered to the winds. But here I must leave the 

 young lions for a time. 



