ntry is subject at certain seasons of the year, and was
also a pretty effectual protection against the scorching rays of the
sun; consequently the interior temperature of such a structure, stifling
though it frequently was, was not nearly so great as that of the outer
air. In this particular case, too, the doorway, unlike that of the
usual Kafir hut, was high enough to permit a full-grown man to enter
without stooping; but, like other Kafir huts, this was entirely
destitute of windows, the only light, during the daytime at least, being
what entered by the doorway. A minute or two, however, sufficed for the
eye to become accustomed to the change of light, and when mine had done
so I perceived that the interior of this particular hut was divided by
wattle partitions into apparently three apartments, two in the front
half and the other--which I surmised to be sacred to the king's
emposeni, or harem--occupying the rear half. The apartment which we
first entered was probably the king's sitting-room, for it contained
nothing but a low divan-like arrangement running all round the walls and
covered with rich karosses, while through the doorway leading to the
other apartment I caught an indistinct glimpse of what looked like a
rough imitation of a couch or bed, also heaped high with karosses.

The king lost no time in coming to the point. He signed to the
attendant chief to place the bundle on the divan, then turned to me and
said:

"Now, white man, teach me how to array myself in the garb of the white
kings."

"Then," said I, taking up the booted trousers, "this is the first
garment which Your Majesty must don." And I explained as best I could
how he was to clothe himself. The fact that the boots were attached to
the trousers made the assumption of the garment somewhat awkward, but
luckily the boots were ample in size, and the monarch managed to get his
feet into them without much difficulty. Then I explained how he must
tuck the mucha inside, and when this was done, and the garment drawn up
round his waist, I passed the braces over his shoulders and showed him
how to button them. The trousers were scarlet--just a little off colour
with wear, I am afraid--with a broad stripe of yellow braid down the
outer seam, and the effect was evidently satisfactory to the king, who
walked up and down the room several times admiring himself. Then I took
up the tunic, and after I had explained how it was worn the induna and I
assi