252 MATABELE LAND. 



him and the boys to march on to the huts, and not 

 stop at a distance now that they knew we were there. 

 John w T as in a great funk, but found, with Tibakai, a 

 hunter whom he knew. I left the boys and traps 

 under a tree amongst the huts, and went with the 

 doctor and John to have an interview with Tibakai. 

 He is a Mungwato headman, with one or two of 

 his own people, but all the rest are Bushmen, hunting 

 for him and staying with him with their families. 

 Tibakai said we could not go to the Falls — he was 

 captain here. Hearing, however, we did not come 

 to hunt, he said we might go but must make our 

 scherm here, and stay till to-morrow, when we might 

 visit the Falls and return. He then conceded that 

 we might have two Bushmen, whom he would give 

 us to-night when they returned from hunting, but 

 said we must sleep here to-night. I said we must 

 go, and he could do as he pleased about the Bushmen. 

 After this he again said we must stay to-night. This 

 I flatly refused to do, and had already told him we 

 should shoot elephants if we saw them. John wanted 

 me to stay, and refused to come away. I ordered 

 the boys to start, they having already told me they 

 were willing, and again for the third time called John. 

 We then started, all but him, and there was a great 

 stir in the place ; caps snapping and one fellow 

 running out with his gun. We moved on, I on the 

 flank ready to fire ; but it was not necessary. John 

 remained behind, but, seeing us get away, joined us, 

 and, when I upbraided him, said he was only waiting 

 to see what they would do." 



