MATABELE EXTORTIONS. 215 
in the morning. They told my boys that I must 
pay for the road to the Zambesi, and that if I did not 
do so they would break into my waggon and help 
themselves. My boys, having seen no disposition on 
my part to give way, were in a great fright, and said 
if I did not give the Matabele what they wanted 
they would run away and leave me. In my situation 
this would have been worse than anything, so I 
resolved to conciliate my persecutors, and next day 
gave them what they wanted, amounting in value to 
a mere trifle, ^5 perhaps, and not a quarter of what 
I had made up my mind to give them rather than 
have a row. I should have felt much more humili- 
ated had I first refused and finally had to give way, 
but it was bad enough as it was. I afterwards in- 
formed the king of the whole affair, and perhaps a 
number of similar complaints may at last bring punish- 
ment on the offenders, who are known. I believe 
it was my firm demeanour of the night before that 
stood me in such good stead next day, as, when I 
voluntarily conversed with them, and asked them what 
they wanted, they thought it best to be civil, and said 
I must bring out something and they would see if it 
was enough. After some consultation they accepted 
what I gave for the induna of their kraal, and then 
asked for presents for themselves. I therefore added 
something ; and when they saw I had given all I 
meant they went away, leaving me much relieved in 
mind. 
" Soon afterwards, to my great joy, I heard the 
boys say that a waggon was coming ; and, sure enough, 
