27G 
MY OLD WOMAN. 
presence of the native officer, who is guide and 
interpreter, in charge of the escort. He told her 
of our proposal, and mentioned the wage she 
would receive for her services. She was in- 
credulous that such a sum would be given for 
my trifling requirements, and at first replied by 
a mocking laugh ; but when she grasped the 
fact that we were in earnest, she acceded 
readily. It was impressed upon her that the 
direst punishment would visit her if she were 
uot faithful, and with every appearance of sin- 
cerity she undertook to abide by me. 
She goes about her own business during the 
day, and returns to me about sundown. Long 
ere she comes I am eagerly looking for her. 
Think of my loneliness, when such companion- 
ship is welcome ! I have had three days of 
slight fever, with great languor, and have been 
unable for much exertion. As I lie in my chair 
through the long day, not a sound breaks the 
stillness, — I start when the chair creaks. Lovely 
birds often perch on the rail of the verandah, 
perhaps regarding me with as much wonder as 
I regard them with admiration. 
I must not omit to tell you a striking incident 
which occurred as the cavalcade was on the 
point of departing. The road they took is that 
