498 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
the fine; and the property so seized remains in deposit, 
to he subsequently sold, or appropriated by the person 
effecting the seizure. Should, however, a seizure be 
held unjust, the party committing it is compelled by 
the Sova to make restitution and give a pig, by way of 
solace, to the party prejudiced. 
This system offers a premium to extortion, and not 
a day passes without the most stupendous mucctnos 
being put forward. One of the most common excuses 
for its imposition is adultery, wives being urged on by 
their affectionate husbands to entangle some male friend 
O 
QUINDA, OR STAW BASKET WHICH 
HOLDS WATER. 
or acquaintance known to be possessed of means, so 
that he may be subsequently compelled to pay a 
mucano. The head of a caravan is bound to pay the 
mucanos of his negroes, and he is responsible for their 
good behaviour. When a white man, who is liable for 
the mucanos of his negroes, has sufficient force at his 
command to refuse to make such payment, his accusers 
will wait—sometimes for years—until they can fall in 
with another and a weaker white, on whose goods they 
effect their attachment, letting him know at the same 
time that they make him the scapegoat of his brother 
pale-face, out of whom he must get his compensation— 
if he can. If a man under the charge of a mucano 
