In Native Homes 
are never found inside of the ordinary human 
dwelling. 
The average compound contains several dwell¬ 
ings occupied by as many separate families, but 
everybody in it is subject to the authority of one 
man who is called the bale (pronounced barley). 
This man is held responsible under native law for 
the conduct of every inmate of his compound 
and his authority is commensurate with this re¬ 
sponsibility. Native etiquette requires that any 
one on entering a compound shall first salute the 
bale and make known to him alone the object of 
his visit. The bale is willing to bear all this re¬ 
sponsibility for the sake of the honor, though 
men holding this position sometimes lose their 
heads for not keeping those under their authority 
in order. 
The compounds of the chiefs are very large, 
sometimes covering several acres of ground. In 
such cases they are a perfect labyrinth of dwell¬ 
ings. If a stranger were put down in the centre 
of one of this kind, he would probably wander 
about for hours through little courts and passages 
before finding his way out. Away back in these 
recesses, surrounded by the most trusty of their 
wives and retainers, the chiefs pass their leisure 
hours; but they will always come out to see 
27 
