movement of the head their respectful equivalent 

 of our nod or bow. When he had done the round, 

 his two attendants took their turns, and when this was 

 over, and another long pause had served to mark his 

 respect, he drew back a few paces to a spot about half- 

 way between us and where the kaffirs sat, and, tucking 

 his loin skins comfortably under him, squatted down. 

 Ten minutes more elapsed before he allowed his eyes 

 to wander absently round towards the boys and 

 finally to settle on them for a repetition of the perform- 

 ance that we had been favoured with. But in this 

 case it was they who led off with the " Sakubona, 

 Umganaam ! " which he acknowledged with the raising 

 of the head and a soft murmur of contented recogni- 

 tion, "A-he." 



Once more there was silence for a spell, while he 

 waited to be questioned in the customary manner and 

 to give an account of himself, before it would be 

 courteous or proper to introduce the subject of his 

 visit. It was Jim's voice that broke the silence 

 clear and imperative, as usual, but not uncivil. It 

 always was Jim who cut in, as those do who are 

 naturally impatient of delays and formalities. 



" Velapi, Umganaam ? " (Where do you come from, 

 friend ?) he asked, putting the question which is 

 recognised as courteously providing the stranger with 

 an opening to give an account of himself ; and he is 

 expected and required to do so to their satisfaction 

 before he in turn can ask all about them, their occupa- 

 tions, homes, destination and master, and his occupa- 

 tion, purpose and possessions. 

 249 



