88 MATABELE LAND. 
whom I suspect of doing me out of the Zambesi, 
was very anxious for me to go to the king to-day, as 
he has to deHver me back to him in person, and 
never lets me go out of his sight for a moment if he 
can help it. This opportunity of writing home, 
however, is keeping me this evening. 
" My old man is the cousin of the king and 
nephew of Mosilikatze, and the king sent him with 
me as a special mark of favour. If any harm had 
befallen me he would have been held responsible, 
and with most fearful zeal did he fulfil his office. 
He would never let me sleep without a hut, or do 
anything he deemed imprudent or unhealthy, carry- 
ing his care of me to such a pitch that it was often 
a very great bore. I am told that if I go away 
again into the veldt either now or years hence, I 
shall have to go with this same man, Macloule, or, 
should he not be living, with one of his sons. I 
would have forgiven him everything if he had taken 
me to the Victoria Falls. 
" A puppy has been added to my establishment. 
It was one of a family born in the veldt, on the 
banks of the Gwailo River, and, with its brothers and 
sisters, carried over its master's shoulders in a small 
bark cage when we were on the move. I had 
several narrow escapes of being bitten by the 
mamma, who hated me, though I always did my 
utmost for the comfort of the family. 
" I have still two of my original four dogs with 
