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 pun- 

 ishment 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 there- 

 fore 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 



