I Incline To The Former Opinion,
Because Sudden Insanity Occurs When There Is Any Unusual Strain
Upon Their Minds.
Monahin was in command of the Batoka of Mokwine
in my party, and he was looked upon with great dislike
by all that chief's subjects.
The only difficulties I had with them
arose in consequence of being obliged to give orders through him.
They said Mokwine is reported to have been killed by the Makololo,
but Monahin is the individual who put forth his hand and slew him.
When one of these people kills in battle, he seems to have
no compunction afterward; but when he makes a foray on his own responsibility,
and kills a man of note, the common people make remarks to each other,
which are reported to him, and bring the affair perpetually
to his remembrance. This iteration on the conscience causes insanity,
and when one runs away in a wide country like this, the fugitive
is never heard of. Monahin had lately become afraid of his own party
from overhearing their remarks, and said more than once to me,
"They want to kill me." I believe if he ran to any village
they would take care of him. I felt his loss greatly, and spent three days
in searching for him. He was a sensible and most obliging man.
I sent in the morning to inform Monina of this sad event,
and he at once sent to all the gardens around, desiring the people
to look for him, and, should he come near, to bring him home.
He evidently sympathized with us in our sorrow, and, afraid lest we
might suspect him, added, "We never catch nor kidnap people here.
It is not our custom.
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