ted with circular native huts, built very much after the Bechuana
fashion, and neatly thatched. Herds of cattle, goats, and native sheep
were pasturing here and there, or lying beneath the shade of the acacias
scattered about the plain. The town stood in an excellent position.
The mountain chain upon the one hand, and a broad and deep river,
flowing south-east, upon the other, served as sure defences against any
sudden attack from without.

"Beyond the river, eastward, a vast sweep of broad plain, belted with
dark-green ribands of bush and forest, stretched in interminable expanse
to the hot horizon.

"Descending to the valley, we were not long in reaching a collection of
huts, where we were pulled up short by a score of gesticulating natives,
armed with huge bows and arrows, and spears. We had some trouble with
these people; but after various messages and a halt of an hour or so, we
were told to follow two headmen to the Queen's residence.

"Mounting our horses--a proceeding which roused the most lively interest
among the crowd, which by this time had gathered round us--April and I
followed our guides, the Bushmen walking alongside. Passing numerous
groups of well-built, well-tended huts, we were at last brought to the
Queen's _kotla_, a large circular enclosure, fenced by a tall stockade,
in which was set the hut of the great lady I sought. A messenger soon
brought permission, and we rode into the enclosure.

"In a couple of rapid glances I took in the whole scene. In front of a
large, roomy, carefully thatched, circular hut were gathered some thirty
headmen of various ages, all standing, and all armed with long spears,
battle-axes, or bows and arrows. In the centre of this knot of dark
Africans sat the chieftainess, a very fair-skinned woman, undoubtedly.
Behind her stood two black female attendants, furnished with long
fly-whisks, with which they occasionally guarded their mistress from the
annoyances of insects. I rode up boldly to within ten yards of this
group, and dismounted, as did my man April. Handing my horse to April,
I took off my broad-brimmed hat, made my politest bow to the Queen's
grace, and then, calling Naras the Bushman, motioned him to stand
forward and interpret Naras waited expectantly on the Queen, and, while
she addressed him, I had leisure to examine her closely and very
curiously. Mapana--that was her name--for a woman of native blood, was
astonishingly fair. I can best liken he