A PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE. 227 



During the whole time that she was at work she was 

 uttering disjointed remarks to me, and at length pro- 

 posed, in the most shameless and barefaced manner, that 

 I should marry her daughter. I requested to know which 

 of the damsels then present was the proposed bride, and 

 was shown a young lady about twelve years old, who had 

 very much the appearance of a picked Cochin-China fowl. 

 I concealed my laughter, and told the old lady that when 

 this lassy became taller, and very fat, I might then 

 think more seriously of her proposition ; but as at present 

 I had not six cows (the required price) handy, I could 

 not entertain the subject. The old lady told me she 

 would get the skin and bone adorned with fat by the 

 time I came on another visit ; and, for all I know, this 

 black charmer may be now waiting in disappointed plump- 

 ness. I stayed seven days at this kraal : after the third day 

 I had no bread or biscuit, but merely roasted Indian corn 

 and meat, with the amasi and ubisi (sour and sweet milk) . 

 I therefore felt the want of bread, butter, and a bed, and 

 bidding my shooting companion farewell, I distributed 

 beads and tobacco to the women and some lucifers to the 

 men, and then took my departure. 



I should wish to testify to the manner in which I, a 

 perfect stranger, unknown by name or reputation to these 

 savages, was treated during this visit. They were kind, 

 civil, and really hospitable. It was pleasing to see a 

 young Kaffir girl come each evening with a bowl of milk 

 and some corn, and, putting them down quietly beside me, 

 look with her wild black eyes into my face, and musically 

 say, " Ar ko inkosi" (Yours, chief). 



Q 2 



