ills.
Therefore the valley, if it may be so called, was plunged in a gloom
that seemed almost unnatural when compared with the brilliant sky above,
across which the radiant lights of an African sunset already sped like
arrows, or rather like red and ominous spears of flame.

"What a dreadful place!" exclaimed Dorcas. "Is our home to be here?"

"I suppose so," answered Thomas, who to tell the truth for once was
himself somewhat dismayed. "It does look a little gloomy, but after
all it is very sheltered, and home is what one makes it," he added
sententiously.

Here the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Chief and
some of the Christian portion of the Sisa tribe, who having been warned
of its approach by messenger, to the number of a hundred and fifty or so
had advanced to meet the party.

They were a motley crowd clad in every kind of garment, ranging from a
moth-eaten General's tunic to practically nothing at all. Indeed, one
tall, thin fellow sported only a battered helmet of rusty steel that
had drifted here from some European army, a _moocha_ or waistbelt of
catskins, and a pair of decayed tennis-shoes through which his toes
appeared. With them came what were evidently the remains of the church
choir, when there was a church, for they wore dirty fragments of
surplices and sang what seemed to be a hymn tune to the strains of a
decadent accordion.

The tune was long and ended in a kind of howl like to that of a
disappointed jackal. When at length it was finished the Chief Kosa
appeared. He was a middle-aged man, become prematurely old because he
had lived too fast in his pre-Christian days, or so report said. Now he
had a somewhat imbecile appearance, for his fingers twitched and when he
spoke his mouth jerked up at the corners; also he kept looking over his
shoulder as though he were afraid of something behind him. Altogether he
inspired Thomas with no confidence. Whatever else he might be, clearly
he was not a staff for a crusader to lean upon.

Still he came forward and made a very nice speech, as a high-bred
native noble, such as he was, can almost invariably do. With many pious
expressions he welcomed the new Teacher, saying that he and his people,
that is those of them who were Christians, would do their best to make
him happy.

Thomas thanked him in appropriate language, adding that he on his part
would do his best to promote their welfare and to save their souls.

Kosa replied that he wa