licity, meeting us on an easy
plane of familiarity. I do not know how I can better describe his manner
toward us than to compare it to the manner the member of an exclusive
golf club would use to one who is a stranger, but evidently a guest. He
took our quality for granted; and supposed we must do the same by him,
neither acting as though he considered us "great white men," nor yet
standing aloof and too respectful. And as the distinguishing feature of
all, he was absolutely without personal ornament.

* Pronounce each o separately.

Pause for a moment to consider what a real advance in esthetic taste
that one little fact stands for. All M'booley's attendants were the
giddiest and gaudiest savages we had yet seen, with more colobus fur,
sleighbells, polished metal, ostrich plumes, and red paint than would
have fitted out any two other royal courts of the jungle. The women too
were wealthy and opulent without limit. It takes considerable perception
among our civilized people to realize that severe simplicity amid ultra
magnificence makes the most effective distinguishing of an individual.
If you do not believe it, drop in at the next ball to which you are
invited. M'booley had fathomed this, and what was more he had the
strength of mind to act on it. Any savage loves finery for its own
sake. His hair was cut short, and shaved away at the edges to leave what
looked like an ordinary close-fitting skull cap. He wore one pair of
plain armlets on his left upper arm and small simple ear-rings. His robe
was black. He had no trace of either oil or paint, nor did he even carry
a spear.

He greeted us with good-humoured ease, and inquired conversationally if
we wanted anything. We suggested wood and milk, whereupon still
smiling, he uttered a few casual words in his own language to no one in
particular. There was no earthly doubt that he was chief. Three of the
most gorgeous and haughty warriors ran out of camp. Shortly long
files of women came in bringing loads of firewood; and others carrying
bananas, yams, sugarcane and a sheep. Truly M'booley did things on a
princely scale. We thanked him. He accepted the thanks with a casual
smile, waved his hand and went on to talk of something else. In due
order our M'ganga brought up one of our best trade blankets, to which we
added a half dozen boxes of matches and a razor.

Now into camp filed a small procession: four women, four children, and
two young men. These advanced to wh