238 
RETURN OF THE COMMANDO. 
[1820. 
their legs were painted with the same clay up to 
the knees, resembling stockings. On halting 
they went through all the different manoeuvres 
used in attacking an enemy with their spears, 
&c. Sometimes they leaped to a great height as 
if to escape an arrow or an assagai. Their move- 
ments in advancing and retreating were in a zig- 
zag direction, as if to prevent the enemy taking 
aim at them. When this exercise was over they 
retired to the outside of the gate, where they sat 
down in order. In a short time a man came 
hastily with a dish of boiled corn, and presented 
it to Moeelway, the commander. With consider- 
able dignity, and without looking at the dish, he 
desired it should be given to the men, and was 
instantly obeyed. He then rose and retired, 
and in a short time afterwards came into our tent, 
where he behaved in as easy a manner as if nothing 
had happened. I produced the presents that had 
been selected for him, with which he seemed much 
pleased. He carried them home, and in a short 
time brought me a present of a clay jar, painted 
red, blue, and white. He seemed to prefer the 
looking-glass, red handkerchief, clasp knife, and 
scissars. I made presents also to two or three 
others of the royal family, all of which were well 
received. It is difficult to find out real brothers 
among this people ; for, like the Jews, they 
seem to reckon first cousins brethren, as well 
as those descended from the same parents. 
