SOUTHERN AFRICA. 10-5 



sundry calabashes of beer to be placed before us, the 

 despot arose^ and abruptly^ without the slig'htest compli- 

 ment^ made his exit amid the cong-ratulations of his lojnl 

 subjects. The heralds preceding* him as before^ rent the 

 air, with shouts and acclamations, until ^^ the g-reat black 

 one" had re-entered the kraal. 



During- this serious jet laug'hable interview, we were 

 not a little surprised to observe that the g'uides, who had 

 by their freedom rendered themselves so hig-hly offensive 

 to us, continued bruising- and snuffing- tobacco, without 

 appearing- the least abashed in the royal presence. Whilst 

 every one else cring-ed beneath the tyrant's g-lance with 

 obsequious humility, they alone appeared at ease, nor were 

 we able to account for this behaviour, otherwise than by 

 conjecturing* that their too palpable office of spies upon our 

 actions admitted them to these liberties. Tliey had never 

 quitted the wag-g-ons for a sing-le instant since Ave left 

 Moseg-a, — had watched all our actions with the most pro- 

 voking- attention, and on our arrival at Kapain, had doubt- 

 less reported to the king- every, the most minute, circum- 

 stance that had transpired. 



