und him. When Mr. G.
obtained an interpreter, he learned that they had been ordered by
Sekeletu to be sure and go to my brother, as he termed him. Mr. G.
behaved in the same liberal manner as he had done to my companions,
and they departed for their distant home after bidding him a formal and
affectionate adieu.
It was to be expected that they would be imposed upon in their first
attempt at trading, but I believe that this could not be so easily
repeated. It is, however, unfortunate that in dealing with the natives
in the interior there is no attempt made at the establishment of fair
prices. The trader shows a quantity of goods, the native asks for more,
and more is given. The native, being ignorant of the value of the
goods or of his ivory, tries what another demand will bring. After some
haggling, an addition is made, and that bargain is concluded to the
satisfaction of both parties. Another trader comes, and perhaps offers
more than the first; the customary demand for an addition is made, and
he yields. The natives by this time are beginning to believe that the
more they ask the more they will get: they continue to urge, the trader
bursts into a rage, and the trade is stopped, to be renewed next day by
a higher offer. The natives naturally conclude that they were right
the day before, and a most disagreeable commercial intercourse is
established. A great amount of time is spent in concluding these
bargains. In other parts, it is quite common to see the natives going
from one trader to another till they have finished the whole village;
and some give presents of brandy to tempt their custom. Much of this
unpleasant state of feeling between natives and Europeans results from
the commencements made by those who were ignorant of the language, and
from the want of education being given at the same time.
During the time of our absence at Loanda, the Makololo had made two
forays, and captured large herds of cattle. One, to the lake, was in
order to punish Lechulatebe for the insolence he had manifested after
procuring some fire-arms; and the other to Sebola Makwaia, a chief
living far to the N.E. This was most unjustifiable, and had been
condemned by all the influential Makololo. Ben Habib, however, had, in
coming from Zanzibar, visited Sebola Makwaia, and found that the chief
town was governed by an old woman of that name. She received him kindly,
and gave him a large quantity of magnificent ivory, sufficient to
set him
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