Evening star., 1909-02-19

chosen evidently because the approaches
to it were easy to defend. On knoll in
the center of this rich valley stood the
kraal small native town surrounded by
walls and stone Enclosures full of cattle.
AS they approached the kraal, from its
main entrance issued four or five good
looking native women, one or them ac-
companied by boy, and all carrying hoes
in their hands. for they were going out
at sunrise to work in the mealie fields
When they saw Mr.. Dove they stood STILL
staring at him. till he called to them not
to be afraid. and riding up, asked them
who they were.
1--WE are of the number of the wives Of
Ibubesi the Lion" answered their spokes-
woman, who held the little boy by the
hand
white mani, Ishmael?" he asked again.
Whom else should we mean? she an
swered. Il am his head wife. now that
he has put away old Mani, and this is his
son. If the light were stronger you would
see that he is almost white she added
with pride
Mr.. Dove knew not what to answer: this
intelligence overwhelmed him, and he sat
silent on his horse The wives of 1shmael
prepared to pass on to the mealle fields,
then stopped and began to whisper to-
gether. At length the mother of the boy
turned and addressed him, while the
others crowded behind her to listen.
I'VE desire to ask you a question
Teacher, she said somewhat shyly, for
evidently they knew we'll enough who he
was. rs it true that we are TO have a
new sister,"
"A new sister! What do you mean"
I'VE mean. Teacher she replied smil-
ing that we have heard that Ibubes is
courting the beautiful Zoola, the daughter
of your head wife and we thought that
perhaps you had come to arrange about
the cattle that he must pay for her
Doubtless if she is so fair, IT will be a
whole herd
This was too much, even for Mr.. Dove
How dare you talk SO. you heather
hussies?" he gasped. Where is the
white man.?
Teacher she replied with Indignation
and drawing herself up, why do you call
us bad names? We are respectable won-
en-, the wives of one husband, as respect
able as your own. although not SO numer-
Gus, or so we hear from Ibubesi. If you
desire to see him. he is in the big hut
yonder with our youngest sister, she
whom he married last month. We wish
YOU good-day we go to hoe our lord 6
fields and we hope that when she comes,
the Inkosazana, your daughter. will not
be as rude you are. for If so. how shall
we love her We wish to do? Then
wrapping her blanket round her with a
dignified air. the offended lady stalked off,
followed by her various sisters.
AS for Mr.. Dove who for once in his
life was in towering rage, he cut his
horse viciously with the siambok or hip
popotamus- hide whip which he carried
and followed by his guides. Saloped for
ward to big hut in the center of the
kraal
Apparently Ishmael heard the sound OF
his horses hoofs, for as the missionary
was dismounting he crawled out of the
bee-hole of the hut upon his hands
| lowed by young woman in the liShtest
| of attire, who was yawning as though
| she had just been aroused from sleep.
What is more. except for the color of his
| skin. he was a kaffir and nothing else,
! for his costume consisted of skin
| moocha such the natives wear and Il
| fur kaross thrown over his shoulders.
] Strengthening himself, Ishmae saw for
the first time who was his visitor His
| jaw dropped, and he uttered ejacula-
| ton that need not be recorded. then stood
silent. Mr.. Dove was silent also; for his
! wrath would not allow him to speak.
How do you do, sir?'' lshmael jerked
| out at last. You are an early visitor
and find me somewhat unpreparcd. II |
had known that you We're coming would
- then suddenly he remembered his
| attire. or the lack of il. also his compan-
| ion who was leaning on his shoulder and
peeping at the white man over it. Draw
| ing the kaross tightly about him he gave
| the poor girl a backward kick. and wit
| a kaffir oath bade her begone, then went
| on hurredly: Il am afraid my dress is
not quite what you are accustomed to.
but among these poor heathenS | find it
| necessary to conform more or less to. tbs iT
| ways in order to gain their confidence and
-um-affection. Will you come into the
hut? My servant there will get you some
tywala Ckaffir beer)-l mean some amas 81
tcurded milk)-at once, and / will have
a calf killed for breakfast
| Mr. Dove could bear il no longer
"Ishmael or Smith, or Ibubesi-Which-
ever name YOU may prefer he broke
out. do not lie to me about your servant
for now | know all the truth. which
refused to believe when my daughter and