THE MONKEYFOLK OF SOUTH AFRICA 141 



monkeyfolk never abuse the instincts which God has im- 

 planted in us. True, we gratify our various instincts, but 

 we always do so in strict moderation. With all your 

 boasted knowledge and wisdom a very great number of you 

 are abject slaves to your animal instincts, which, with 

 abuse, have grown abnormal. 



Well, I ruled my clan in a just and wise manner, and 

 beat off all rivals for many years. Whenever I saw that any 

 of our menfolk were getting big and strong, I would pick 

 a quarrel and drive them off into exile. One day I tried 

 the old game, but my foe proved more than my match. 

 At first I couldn't believe it, but feeling myself growing 

 weak with loss of blood and many wounds, I tore myself 

 from his clutches and escaped. For days I followed the 

 clan at a respectful distance. When my wounds healed I 

 returned. The new chief pounced upon me, and again we 

 fought long and fiercely. It was of no use. I found he 

 was the stronger. I had forgotten I was growing old, 

 and that my teeth were worn down, whilst his were sharp, 

 and he had all the vim and fire of healthy manhood. 



A LONELY LIFE 



I fled away into the innermost recesses of the forest. 

 None of the younger people or the womenfolk elected to 

 follow me, so I was entirely alone. I couldn't bear to be 

 quite alone at first, and hung about within a quarter of 

 a mile of the clan. The chief discovered me one day, 

 and chased me for three miles. I managed to get away, 

 or, I am sure, in his rage he would have killed me. 



I have now lived for three years and a half a lonely, 

 miserable exile. I feel the time is not far distant when I 

 shall depart this life to go to the happy hunting-grounds 

 of my folk, in the realms of the spirit world. 



