246 
THE MONKEY TRIBES 
and down before the rest, conspicuous for his exhibition of impotent 
rage, and occasionally seizes some of the smaller of his brethren, and, 
by a few savage bites that send them howling and disgusted away, 
shows what he would gladly do to his dangerous enemy below if he 
only dared. They generally, however, live rather peaceable lives, 
varied -with a few predatory excursions into the inviting fields of the 
farmers, where, having eaten all they possibly can, they bear away as 
much more in their cheek-pouches and hands, to be attended to after¬ 
ward at their leisure. This occupation, together with the enforcement 
of the discipline necessary for the welfare of every well-ordered family, 
occupies the time of the adults. 
The Story of a Baboon. —A great traveler in South Africa 
tells an interesting story of a baboon named Kees which he had cap¬ 
tured and tamed. “He was an excellent sentinel, whether by day or 
night. By his cry, and the symptoms of fear which he exhibited, we 
were always apprised of the approach of an enemy, even though the 
dogs perceived nothing of it. The latter, at length, learned to rely 
upon him with such confidence that they slept on in perfect tranquillity. 
I often took Kees with me when I went hunting; and when he saw me 
preparing for sport, he exhibited the most lively demonstrations of 
joy. On the way, he would climb into the trees to look for gum, oi 
which he was very fond. Sometimes he discovered to me honey, 
deposited in the clefts of rocks or hollow trees. 
“Like all other animals, Kees was addicted to stealing. He 
understood admirably well how to loose the strings of a basket, in 
order to take victuals out of it, especially milk, of which he was very 
fond. My people chastised him for these thefts; but that did not make 
him amend his conduct. I myself sometimes whipped him, but then he 
ran away, and did not return again to the tent until it grew dark. 
Once, as I was about to dine, and had put the beans, which I had 
boiled for myself, upon a plate, I heard the voice of a bird with which 
I was not acquainted. I left my dinner standing, seized my gun, and 
ran out of the tent. After the space of about a quarter of an hour I 
returned, with the bird in my hand, and to my astonishment, I found 
not a single bean upon the plate. Kees had stolen them all, and taken 
himself out of the way. 
