It Is Rather Dangerous To Tread In The Footsteps Of A Marauding Party
With Men Of The Same Tribe As
The aggressors, but my people
were in good spirits, and several volunteers even offered to join our ranks.
We, however,
Adhered strictly to the orders of Sekeletu as to our companions,
and refused all others.
The people of every village treated us most liberally, presenting,
besides oxen, butter, milk, and meal, more than we could stow away
in our canoes. The cows in this valley are now yielding,
as they frequently do, more milk than the people can use,
and both men and women present butter in such quantity that I shall be able
to refresh my men as we move along. Anointing the skin prevents
the excessive evaporation of the fluids of the body, and acts as clothing
in both sun and shade. They always made their presents gracefully.
When an ox was given, the owner would say, "Here is a little bit of bread
for you." This was pleasing, for I had been accustomed to the Bechuanas
presenting a miserable goat, with the pompous exclamation, "Behold an ox!"
The women persisted in giving me copious supplies of shrill praises,
or "lullilooing"; but, though I frequently told them to modify
their "great lords" and "great lions" to more humble expressions,
they so evidently intended to do me honor that I could not help being pleased
with the poor creatures' wishes for our success.
The rains began while we were at Naliele; this is much later than usual;
but, though the Barotse valley has been in need of rain,
the people never lack abundance of food.
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