IX THE JUNGLE 



us on an easy plane of familiarity. I do not know 

 how I can better describe his manner toward us 

 than to compare it to the manner the member of an 

 exclusive golf club would use to one who is a stranger, 

 but evidently a guest. He took our quality for 

 granted; and supposed we must do the same by 

 him, neither acting as though he considered us 

 ** great white men," nor yet standing aloof and too 

 respectful. And as the distinguishing feature of all, 

 he was absolutely without personal ornament. 



Pause for a moment to consider what a real ad- 

 vance in aesthetic taste that one little fact stands 

 for. All M'booley's attendants were the giddiest 

 and gaudiest savages we had yet seen, with more col- 

 obus fur, sleighbells, polished metal, ostrich plumes, 

 and red paint than would have fitted out any 

 two other royal courts of the jungle. The women 

 too were wealthy and opulent without limit. It 

 takes considerable perception among our civilized 

 people to realize that severe simplicity amid ultra 

 magnificence makes the most effective distinguishing 

 of an individual. If you do not believe it, drop in 

 at the next ball to which you are invited. M'booley 

 had fathomed this: and what was more he had the 

 strength of mind to act on it. Any savage loves 

 finery for its own sake. His hair was cut short, and 

 shaved away at the edges to leave what looked like 



257 



