after the appearance of the new moon, and the people then refrain
only from going to their gardens. A curious custom, not to be found
among the Bechuanas, prevails among the black tribes beyond them. They
watch most eagerly for the first glimpse of the new moon, and, when they
perceive the faint outline after the sun has set deep in the west, they
utter a loud shout of "Kua!" and vociferate prayers to it. My men, for
instance, called out, "Let our journey with the white man be prosperous!
Let our enemies perish, and the children of Nake become rich! May he
have plenty of meat on this journey!" etc., etc.

I gave many public addresses to the people of Sesheke under the
outspreading camel-thorn-tree, which serves as a shade to the kotla on
the high bank of the river. It was pleasant to see the long lines of
men, women, and children winding along from different quarters of the
town, each party following behind their respective head men. They often
amounted to between five and six hundred souls, and required an exertion
of voice which brought back the complaint for which I had got the uvula
excised at the Cape. They were always very attentive; and Moriantsane,
in order, as he thought, to please me, on one occasion rose up in the
middle of the discourse, and hurled his staff at the heads of some young
fellows whom he saw working with a skin instead of listening. My hearers
sometimes put very sensible questions on the subjects brought before
them; at other times they introduced the most frivolous nonsense
immediately after hearing the most solemn truths. Some begin to pray to
Jesus in secret as soon as they hear of the white man's God, with but
little idea of what they are about; and no doubt are heard by Him who,
like a father, pitieth his children. Others, waking by night, recollect
what has been said about the future world so clearly that they tell
next day what a fright they got by it, and resolve not to listen to the
teaching again; and not a few keep to the determination not to believe,
as certain villagers in the south, who put all their cocks to death
because they crowed the words, "Tlang lo rapeleng"--"Come along to
prayers".

On recovering partially from a severe attack of fever which remained
upon me ever since our passing the village of Moremi on the Chobe, we
made ready for our departure up the river by sending messages before
us to the villages to prepare food. We took four elephants' tusks,
belonging to Sekel