probably also to frighten us. Ever since
dawn, parties of armed men have been seen collecting from all quarters,
and numbers passed us while it was yet dark. Had we moved down the
river at once, it would have been considered an indication of fear or
defiance, and so would a retreat. I therefore resolved to wait, trusting
in Him who has the hearts of all men in His hands. They evidently
intended to attack us, for no friendly message was sent; and when three
of the Batoka the night before entered the village to beg food, a man
went round about each of them, making a noise like a lion. The villagers
then called upon them to do homage, and, when they complied, the chief
ordered some chaff to be given them, as if it had been food. Other
things also showed unmistakable hostility. As we were now pretty certain
of a skirmish, I ordered an ox to be slaughtered, as this is a means
which Sebituane employed for inspiring courage. I have no doubt that
we should have been victorious; indeed, my men, who were far better
acquainted with fighting than any of the people on the Zambesi, were
rejoicing in the prospect of securing captives to carry the tusks for
them. "We shall now," said they, "get both corn and clothes in plenty."
They were in a sad state, poor fellows; for the rains we had encountered
had made their skin-clothing drop off piecemeal, and they were looked
upon with disgust by the well-fed and well-clothed Zambesians. They
were, however, veterans in marauding, and the head men, instead of being
depressed by fear, as the people of Mpende intended should be the case
in using their charms, hinted broadly to me that I ought to allow them
to keep Mpende's wives. The roasting of meat went on fast and furious,
and some of the young men said to me, "You have seen us with elephants,
but you don't know yet what we can do with men." I believe that, had
Mpende struck the first blow, he would soon have found out that he never
made a greater mistake in his life.

His whole tribe was assembled at about the distance of half a mile. As
the country is covered with trees, we did not see them; but every now
and then a few came about us as spies, and would answer no questions. I
handed a leg of the ox to two of these, and desired them to take it to
Mpende. After waiting a considerable time in suspense, two old men
made their appearance, and said they had come to inquire who I was. I
replied, "I am a Lekoa" (an Englishman). They said, "We don't