ade out our meaning by
signs when words failed us. An open space at the foot of the hill,
where plantains were growing, showed us that we were near the village,
though it was so completely concealed by trees that not till we were
actually at the gates did we discover it. It consisted of a long street
of huts, the doors facing each other, with the blank walls on the
outside; very similar indeed to those we had constructed, though ours
was on a much smaller scale. At each end were gates, which were now
left open. Several men came rushing out, with their spears poised, as
we approached, but on Chickango addressing them, they lowered their
weapons, and gave us a friendly greeting. Their skins were somewhat
lighter than the coast natives. They were a tolerably good-looking race
for Africans. Their only dress was a piece of matting worn round the
loins, and their ornaments, necklaces formed of the teeth of wild
animals, and rings round their arms and legs. The women whom we saw had
a number of these rings, while their hair was dressed in various ways
with no little care. Nearly all the people had, slung over their
shoulders, a grass-cloth bag or purse, very neatly made, in which they
carried various articles. The chief had neat grass-cloth mats spread
for us, and taking his seat on one, he begged us to sit down on the
others. Senhor Silva then presented him with some tobacco, greatly to
his delight, and be instantly produced some well-carved pipes, when,
fire being brought, he commenced smoking with evident satisfaction. It
is curious that savages in both the eastern and western hemispheres
should so delight in the much-abused weed. As we sat smoking the
calumet of peace--for such we hoped it would prove--the chief informed
us that he had been residing at that spot about a couple of years, but
added: "I fear we shall soon have to move towards the coast, for already
we hear that the fierce Pangwes are advancing in this direction; and
unless you white men will help us, we cannot hope to oppose them." He
described the Pangwes as a terrible people, and great warriors. "It is
said that they eat up all the enemies they kill," he added, shuddering
as he spoke. "Such may be our fate; for as they come not only in
hundreds but in thousands, we cannot hope to withstand them."

Senhor Silva replied, that although we, as visitors to their country,
could not interfere in their quarrels, yet we should be glad to
negotiate wi