NOVEL UNDERTAKING. 277 



having examined the nipples of the locks, covered 

 them with caps. The shoiildcr-bone of an ox was 

 our make-shift target, and each taking a shot at 

 the distance of about forty yards, both of us were 

 successful in perforating it with the balls. 



It was now determined, that Tinta should provide 

 me with a mule, and that next day I should follow 

 him to Michael wans, usually pronounced Myolones, 

 to bring the gunpowder and present it to the Negoos. 

 Accordingly, Walderheros returned with Tinta to 

 his house, and after some hours brought me back a 

 mule ; during which time, I and Goodaloo, dividing 

 the powder into small portions, dried them well 

 before a low red fire of the spare charcoal. The 

 temerity of the latter was extraordinary, but it was 

 quite in keeping with the silent steady manner he 

 always performed any service I required. The 

 large grains of the powder being afterwards forced 

 through a sifting basket of grass, used in fining 

 flour, I then secured it in a quart bottle I 

 happened to possess ; and which it about two-thirds 

 filled. 



