Chap. XXVI. SEKOTE'S ISLAND. 517 



the canoes. The river is here very large and deep, and contains 

 two considerable islands, which from either bank seem to be joined 

 to the opposite shore. While waiting for the wind to moderate, 

 my friends related the traditions of these islands, and, as usual, 

 praised the wisdom of Sebituane in balking the Batoka, who for- 

 merly enticed wandering tribes to them, and starved them, by 

 compelling the chiefs to remain by his side till all Ins cattle and 

 people were ferried over. The Barotse believe that at certain 

 parts of the river a tremendous monster lies hid, and that it will 

 catch a canoe and hold it fast and motionless, in spite of the 

 utmost exertions of the paddlers. While near Nameta, they even 

 objected to pass a spot supposed to be haunted, and proceeded along 

 a branch instead of the main stream. They believe that some of 

 them possess a knowledge of the proper prayer to lay the monster. 

 It is strange to find fables similar to those of the more northern 

 nations even in the heart of Africa. Can they be the vestiges of 

 traditions of animals which no longer exist? The fossil bones 

 which lie in the calcareous tufa of tins region will yet, we hope, 

 reveal the ancient fauna. 



Having descended about ten miles, we came to the island 

 of Nampene, at the beginning of the rapids, where we were 

 obliged to leave the canoes and proceed along the banks on 

 foot. The next evening we slept opposite the island of Chondo, 

 and, then crossing the Lekone or Lekwine, early the following 

 morning were at the island of Sekote, called Kalai. This Sekote 

 was the last of the Batoka chiefs whom Sebituane rooted out. 

 The island is surrounded by a rocky shore and deep channels, 

 through which the river rushes with great force. Sekote, feeling 

 secure in his island home, ventured to ferry over the Matebele 

 enemies of Sebituane. When they had retired, Sebituane made 

 one of those rapid marches which he always adopted in every 

 enterprise. He came down the Leeambye from Naliele, sailing 

 by day along the banks, and during the night in the middle of the 

 stream, to avoid the hippopotami. When he reached Kalai, 

 Sekote took advantage of the larger canoes they employ in the 

 rapids, and fled dining the night to the opposite bank. Most of 

 his people were slain or taken captive, and the island has ever 

 since been under the Makololo. It is large enough to contain a 

 considerable town. On the northern side I found the kotla of the 



