426 THE ENGLISH FLAG. — A VISIT FROM MOLLEMML 19 July, 
That predilection for one's own country, which has been im- 
planted by Nature in the human heart, and which, for a European 
in these wild regions, seemed to have acquired a more warm 
and powerful character, raised in me some agreeable feelings, on 
beholding the English Jiag waving above my head ; in the middle of 
an African town. But it may be doubted whether such feelings, 
while coupled with a want of respect, or of philanthropic kindness, 
towards the other nations of the globe, can ever be pure as Nature 
intended them. This predilection, it must be confessed, is a 
virtue which some nations carry so far, or so much pervert, that it 
becomes almost their characteristic vice. 
I wished, during my residence at Litakun more especially, to 
make this literally a day of rest as far as it regarded my intercourse 
with the natives ; whose incessant conversation and wearying impor- 
tunities, left me scarcely one moment to myself, from the time of my 
rising, till they retired to their homes at night. I therefore closed 
up my waggon, and desired Muchunka to let all the natives know 
that it was Sondak (Zondag, or Sunday) ; taking advantage of a word, 
the meaning of which they had learnt from those who had visited 
Klaarwater. 
Thus relieved from the intrusion of strangers, I was left to my 
own occupations for the whole day, excepting a visit from Mollemmi 
with which I was more pleased than interrupted. He brought 
Muchunka, Champani, and another Bachapin, with him ; and when 
he first intruded himself under the canvass, and took his seat in the 
wao"CPon, I felt somewhat vexed, and told him that I had eiven 
notice that it was Sunday, and wished to be left alone. Muchunka 
further explained to him that he knew it was the custom at Klaar- 
water to do nothing on that day, excepting to say prayers. He wished 
to know what prayers were ; and I explained this to him in a manner 
suited to his intellect and adapted to make some useful impression on 
his mind. He replied very modestly, that he had come because he 
liked much to be with me and to talk to me ; but, that it was good 
that I had now told him the custom of my country, and that in 
future he would not interrupt me. 
In forming my opinion of Mollemmi s character, I was for 
