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he left them, who received him with immense bursts of applause.

The accompanying sketches exhibit a Matabele, and a Batlapi or Bechuana warrior. They are placed together for the purpose of showing the difference of taste and costume, as well as the armour used by those distinct tribes. Some thousands of the Matabele, composing several regiments, are distinguished by the colour of their shields, as well as the kind and profusion of feathers which generally adorn their heads, having also a long feather of the blue crane rising from their brows, all which has an imposing effect at their onset. Their arms consist of a shield, short spear, and club. The club, often made of the horn of a rhinoceros or hard wood, they throw with unerring precision, so as even to strike dead the smaller antelope. The spear is not intended for throwing, but for close combat; and such being their mode of warfare, the tribes accustomed to throw their light javelins to a distance are overtaken by these organized soldiers and mowed down. They must conquer or die; and if one return without his shield or spear, at the frown of his sovereign he is instantly despatched by another. They look best in their war dress, which is only worn on great occasions, and without which they are, like the Kafir tribes, in a state of nudity. They rarely use a war-axe, which distinguishes the accompanying Bechuana warrior, and which he only uses when brought into embarrassed circumstances, when his spears are expended, or when butchering the vanquished enemy. Their shields, made of the thickest part of the ox hide, are very different in size and shape. That of the

Matabele is sufficiently large to cover the body, while the other is light, and easily manoeuvred so as to throw off the missiles of the enemy. That of a Basuto is smaller still, and seems only capable of defending the left hand, which grasps the spears, and a rod bearing a plume of black ostrich feathers.

Moselekatse did not fail to supply us abundantly with meat, milk, and a weak kind of beer, made from the native grain. He He appeared anxious to please, and to exhibit himself and people to the best advantage. In accordance with savage notions of conferring honour, all the inhabitants and warriors of the neighbouring towns were ordered to congregate at head-quarters, and on the following day a public ball was given in compliment to the strangers. A smooth plain adjoining the town was selected for the purpose, where Moselekatse took his stand in the centre of an immense circle of his soldiers, numbers of women being present, who, with their shrill voices and clapping of hands, took part in the concert. About thirty ladies from his harem, with long white wands, marched to the song backward and forward on the outside of the ranks, their well lubricated shining bodies being too weighty for the agile movements which characterized the matrons and damsels of lower rank. They sang their war songs, and one composed on occasion of the visit of the strangers, gazing on and adoring with trembling fear and admiration the potentate in the centre, who stood and sometimes regulated the motions of thousands by the movement of his head, or the raising or depression of his hand. He then sat down on his shield of lion's skin, and asked me if it was not fine, and if we had such things in my country.

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I could not gratify his vanity by saying I did admire that which excited the most thrilling sensations in his martial bosom; and as to there being balls, public balls, in honour of the great and renowned, I did not choose to acknowledge.

This public entertainment, or display of national glory, occupied the greater part of the day, when the chief retired, swollen with pride, amidst the deafening shouts of adoring applause, not only of the populace, but of his satraps, who followed at a distance to do him homage at his own abode. Whenever he arose or sat down, all within sight hailed him with a shout, Baaite! or Aaite! followed by a number of his highsounding titles, such as Great King, King of Heaven, the Elephant, etc.

No. 1. A Bechuana needle or bodkin, about six inches long.

2. Its sheath, made of brass wire.

3. A war-axe, the handle of rhinoceros horn, about two and a half feet long.

5. The knife, six inches long, with a carved ivory handle.

CHAPTER XXX.

The Author's stay prolonged-An expression of gratitude-A Saturday eve-A criminal tried-Savage heroism-Suicide-Parasites -Moselekatse's history-His character-A bereaved father-His efforts to redeem his son-Paternal affection-A mother's loveMoselekatse's inquiries-Passion for war-A monstrous actionRough cooks--The horrors of war-The Author returns home.

As Mr. Archbell found it necessary to make a very short stay, and having myself left home without any intention of travelling half so far, I informed his savage majesty that my visit must also be short, as my family and friends at the Kuruman would suppose that evil had befallen me on a road where there was little other company than beasts of prey. This was all very reasonable, but he contrived, with no little artifice and persuasion, to detain me ten days. During this period I had frequent interviews with him, but I was not favourably situated for obtaining a knowledge of his real character; for not a soul in his dominions dared breathe a syllable that was not calculated to set him forth as the best and noblest of beings, immaculate in his actions, the very perfection of all that was lovely, just, and good; possessing a power which could hurl the mountains from their foundations; and finally, that his smile was life, while his frown scattered terror and death. However, I

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learned something of his disposition from the attendants of the chiefs who had visited the Kuruman, and who were permitted to remain at my wagons, with additions to their number, to serve or carry messages, but in reality to watch our movements, and take cognizance of all intercourse between myself and the natives. They were nevertheless very obedient to my suggestions, for when I wanted quietness, I had only to hold up my finger to signify who I wished should go, or who remain. Common people were not allowed to approach without special permission, and I was frequently obliged to prevent my body-guard discharging sticks, stones, or any thing else, at any one who should dare approach within certain limits. It was with no little difficulty I prevented broken heads and broken bones, for they appeared to perform their tyrannical functions with real zest.

During one of my first interviews with Moselekatse the following incident took place, which shows that, however degraded and cruel man may become, he is capable of being subdued by kindness. He drew near to the spot where I stood, with some attendants bearing dishes of food; the two chiefs who had been at the Kuruman were with me, but on the approach of their sovereign they bowed and withdrew, shouting as usual, "Baaite 'nkhosi enkolu," but were instantly desired to return. Moselekatse, placing his left hand on my shoulder, and his right on his breast, addressed me in the following language: "Machobane,* I call you such because you have been my father. You have made my heart as white as milk; milk is not white to-day, my heart is white. I cease not to

The name of his father.