MARKS OF HONOR PLUNDER. — PRISONERS OF WAR. 
535 
some arrows of this kind, which I saw in their possession and which 
I purchased from them, were gained by the murder of their owners, 
or by an attack upon their kraal. And I believe these to be a species* 
of weapon, of which they seldom, if ever, make use. 
It is regarded as an honor, to have killed a man on such ex- 
peditions, by whatever means it may have been affected ; and as a 
testimony of this, they are allowed to mark their thigh with a long 
scar, which is rendered indelible and of a blueish color, by means of 
wood ashes rubbed into the fresh wound (p. 478.). I have not un- 
frequently seen men with several scars of this kind, and have some- 
times counted as many as six : a greater number, however, are said to 
be not uncommon. But their principal object being the acquisition 
of plunder, more than the destruction of their enemies, they often 
succeed in bringing away large herds of cattle : and of these, the 
Chief always claims a certain proportion. It is by such means, added 
to a lucrative trade in beads with other tribes with whom they may be 
at peace, that the Bachapins have greatly enriched themselves in this 
species of property. 
They sometimes also bring away a few priso7iers-of-'war : these 
are generally retained as servants ; and as they in most instances, 
fare as well as the lower class of Bachapins and, perhaps, as well 
as they would, had they remained in their own country, they do 
not, it was said, often take advantage of opportunities for escaping 
and returning to their own country: nor could I ever, by any out- 
ward appearance, distinguish them from the natives. Such captives 
cannot properly be regarded in any other, than in the light of 
prisoners-of-war ; or if they are to be called slaves, (a term which 
must always sound detestable in the ear of every feeling man), they 
were not generally considered by their masters as common saleable 
property ; and I have heard of several instances, in which they have 
been allowed to return home ; but whether through the payment of 
any ransom, or by voluntary manumission, I was unable to learn. 
Muchunka, on being questioned on this subject, assured me, that 
they rather endeavour to kill their enemies than take them prisoners ; 
but confessed that when children fell into their hands, they were 
carried away, and brought up as servants; and that these were 
