A MODEL TOWN OF AFRICA. 



445 



Mataka back with food to the stragglers behind and came into 

 his town." 



An Arab, Sef Rupia, or Rubia, head of a large body of slaves 

 on his way to the coast, most kindly came forward and presented 

 the doctor with an ox, a bag of flour and some cooked meat, an 

 extremely welcome offering indeed ! 



Mataka's town was found to consist of about a thousand 

 houses, and around it clustered many small villages. All about 

 them were mountains, clothed in lovely green. It was a very 

 beautiful spot, and though only recently selected the people of 

 this chief were already entirely at home. It must be under- 

 stood that towns may spring up in a night almost in a country 

 where all the structures are so simple and temporary ; an entire 

 tribe may settle comfortably with almost as much despatch as 

 an army can pitch its tents. The famous chieftain, Mataka, 

 kept his visitor waiting some time on the verandah of his house, 

 but when he made his appearance his good-natured face was 

 wreathed in smiles. He was about sixty, dressed as an Arab, 

 and too good-humored to conceal his enjoyment of a good laugh ; 

 and it was not long before he had the weary traveller snugly 

 set up in a square house like his own, where we will allow him 

 a little breathing time. 



axe, etc. 



