Richard Galbraith, Mariner Part 7

To my joy it proved so, for he came to announce that the hunters were ready to start for the chase. This a.s.suredly being more to my taste, I gladly quitted the isibaya, and, pa.s.sing from the outer enclosure, found myself in the midst of a large number of Kaffirs, waiting with everything prepared. From the animation of their faces, especially the excited expression of the "boys," it was very evident that with the strange race I was among, the chase was a particular feature of delight.

Their dress, if I may be permitted the term, was not in any way increased; and as I marked the free, easy, graceful manner, in which they moved, and how impervious their dark, shiny bodies were to the scorching sun, that was beginning to make even my bronzed countenance peel, I could not but, in the secret recesses of my heart, envy them.

In respect to my face, however, Tugela speedily gave me relief by daubing it over with rancid fat. The operation was slightly disgusting at first to my European ideas, but this rapidly succ.u.mbed under the ease it occasioned me, and I soon found that to the skin, especially of the white man, this grease is absolutely necessary.

Three or four elder Kaffirs who, by the respect paid them, and a slight difference in the adornment of their issikoko, I divined were personages of importance--no doubt renowned hunters--took the lead; and owing to the chief's permission, I being permitted to accompany them, we set out.

It was not to be an elephant hunt, it appeared, after all, that having been deferred for a day or two, as the chief had expressed his intention to be present at the killing of that animal himself; therefore a koodoo hunt had been subst.i.tuted in its place. I have called it a hunt, but I might rather use the word "battue," as will be seen, when I proceed with my recital.

Together we proceeded through the bush, and more splendid scenery it has never been my lot to look upon. Mountains rose afar, crowned with strange foliaged trees, while the land extended before us, undulating like billows, and covered by the brightest, greenest of vegetation.

These undulations, however, on a nearer approach I found to consist of vast clefts, or ravines in the earth--called there, kloofs, through some of which silver streams flowed, while their rough, rugged sides, composed of ma.s.ses of rock, trees, and bushes, interlaced together by a profusion of brilliant and luxuriant parasites, formed the safe home of numerous beasts of prey which are natives of Africa. We had proceeded some distance without anything worthy of mention having taken place, save that I now and then came across relations of my first Kaffir friend who had served me for a supper--the hyrat--and also a peculiar animal, at least, in my eyes, called the meerkat, a long-bodied thing with small ears, a pointed muzzle, long, tail and thin feet armed with claws. I enquired of Tugela respecting it; for I thought if I ever got back to dear old England again, that I should like to have as much to tell as possible. I could learn, however, little of its habits, more than that its fur was considered valuable owing to its tenacity of life, which renders it difficult to be captured.

After we had gone on for some time, we came to a halt, and I perceived the elder hunters were giving orders, which I saw, through their being obeyed, was that we should separate, for they divided immediately into parties.

The party I was among instantly set off to one of the kloofs which I have mentioned, where, separating again, the Kaffirs concealed themselves, with their a.s.sagais and k.n.o.b-kerries ready to hand, behind the bushes and rocks. The other party, it appeared, had by a long detour encircled a whole herd of koodoos, elands, and others--all of the antelope species.

These animals are remarkably quick of scent--though, by the way, it does not require much sensitiveness on that head to detect a Kaffir-- therefore the hunters wisely kept to the windward till they had the herd between themselves and the kloof; then suddenly they showed them to the browsing animals, which immediately fled from their pursuers in the direction of the ravine. As they would at times swerve from the right path, concealed Kaffirs started up, and with shouts headed them back.

Apparently one path alone was left free to them, and on they sped till, with terrified yet graceful bounds, the poor creatures rushed into the kloof, apparently their only hope of safety.

Then truly an exciting scene commenced; from every rock, from every bush there seemed, to spring the dusky form of a Kaffir, his shield and a.s.sagais in his left hand, and his right armed with one of the spears, which he generally sent with unerring aim at the flying antelopes.

By much persuasion, I fancy, and with a great deal of doubt on the Kaffir's part, Tugela had procured me a shield and a few a.s.sagais; therefore though, when I had seen the graceful animals being driven on to their death, I had felt some pity, I must confess it vanished under the excitement of the occasion, and, from my ambush, I, with as good an aim as my bad knowledge and want of skill permitted, cast my weapons also into the terrified herd.

Many fell in the death agonies; but the others, with the speed of light, dashed on to the other end of the ravine; hope, life seemed to be there for them. But not so--again they were doomed to disappointment.

Suddenly an array of black figures starting up, barred their exit with a.s.sagais. Most of them fled wildly back again, while some, with a reckless bravery produced by fright, broke through the hunters' ranks, and, gaining the open plain, escaped,--at which my heart felt a sensation of pleasure; for enough is as good as a feast, all the world over, and surely there were sufficient of the poor creatures left to glut the appet.i.te of even a Kaffir.

It was indeed a most animating scene. The gloomy kloof, with its tropical vegetation--the dazzlingly blue sky, and intense sun overhead,--the sides of the ravine presenting, at every available point, the lithe form of the Kaffir, while beneath dashed the terror-stricken animals, or rolled here and there in the pangs of death. It was a magnificent battue I must own. During it I quite forgot my own uncertain position, and the fact that, in reality, I was as much in the power of the men about me as were the poor koodoos at my feet.

Now, after a brief s.p.a.ce, the hunt terminated, and all quitted their places to collect the game and dine. The koodoo is much prized by the Kaffir, owing to the good flavour and tenderness of its flesh; and soon one was prepared for our eating. Utensils had been brought with the party, and, a fire being made, the meat was cast into a pot over it.

Usually the Kaffir lets it boil till it's in rags; but now, before it was half-done, it was out again, and being eagerly devoured by the hungry hunters, your humble servant fully doing his part. One thing, however, much disgusted me. On the death of the koodoo they broke the leg-bones, and ate the marrow warm, but not with cooking, for that is a preliminary which they entirely dispense with in enjoying this luxury.

After we had regaled ourselves to our hearts' content, and I had learned through Tugela that my conduct during the day had much surprised and pleased my companions, who predicted I might become a good hunter, we prepared to return to the kraal. The "boys" loaded themselves with the game, and we marched home. Home! I use the word now from habit, yet how sadly it sounded to me then. Truly, though no hostility had been shown to me by the natives, but, on the contrary, rather a friendliness, so that I felt I had no need to fear respecting my safety; still the mind of the Englishman, be he in whatever spot of this sphere he may, when he speaks of home, will revert to the well-known pleasant chimney-nook and the well-beloved faces of his dear native land.

The sun--ah, and what a sun!--was setting as we came in sight of the kraal, most of the inhabitants of which flocked out to meet us; for our load promised food in galore for the morrow.

Abruptly, however, the groups divided, and Metilulu issued forth, attended by his councillors and joila or beer. Upon his appearance we came to a halt on the plain till he had seated himself, when, all the slaughtered animals having been laid before him, the dance began, which I and my poor companions--how I longed to know what had become of them-- had witnessed from the bush. While this ceremony took place, some young boys laid across the game to prevent their being attacked by evil spirits. After this was over, I became aware that my behaviour during the hunt had been communicated to the chief, and had met with his approbation. In Kaffir language he highly complimented me, and I in English responded in equally flowery terms respecting his n.o.bleness, his kindness, and hospitality.

I uttered all my palaver, as we would say on board ship, with little thought of its after consequences. Indeed I did not know the good the G.o.ds had in store for me, or to what the approbation of the chief would lead. I soon found out, however; for when, wearied in every limb, we returned to the kraal, and I took leave of the mighty Eagle Metilulu, Tugela conducted me to a different and smaller hut than the one I had slept in on the previous night with the "boys." This he gave me to understand for the future entirely belonged to me, with, thank Heaven!

no Kaffir to share it.

Thanking my companion, and begging him to carry my acknowledgments to his chief for this great favour, I, with more comfort than I had felt on the previous night, and breathing a far purer atmosphere, placed the wicker-door over the entrance of the hut; then unrolling my sleeping-mat, and using my arm as a pillow (not yet being able to manage the native wooden ones), I, despite the insects, was soon wrapped in a sound, refreshing sleep.

CHAPTER NINE.

A KAFFIR WEDDING--THE CHIEF METILULU MAKES ME A PRESENT, WHICH I REFUSE.

The unusual exertions of the previous day had so much fatigued me, that I did not awaken till my hut was invaded by a Kaffir, bearing a portion of the game we had killed at the kloof, ready cooked, for my breakfast.

This was an additional proof of the chief's hospitality and friendliness towards me; and I knew from it that, if I chose to conduct myself honourably towards them, they would do their best in their way to make me comfortable. Before I quitted the kraal, however, I was destined to learn what a little may change a Kaffir's feelings; but at the time of which I now write I was quite ignorant of the power of witch-doctors, droughts, rain-makers, etc, so felt most easy in my mind respecting my position.

Having rolled up my bed, or mat, as I had seen the "boys" do, I took my breakfast near to the door; for though no native had slept there, yet the atmosphere was most close and oppressive.

It was a beautiful morning, and, as I regaled myself upon the portion of koodoo allotted to my share, I could not help recalling my own dear, simple, quiet, little nook of a home in Devonshire, and comparing it to the strange, wild African scenery and people about me. My appearance had now grown too familiar to the Kaffirs to be much remarked, so as I sat they continued their occupations without heeding me.

The time seemed to be that of milking, for several cows stood within a short distance, going through that operation. Most took it kindly enough; but one or two, like our own brindles, which kick over Sukey's pail, were extremely restive, and no doubt would have given much trouble but for the method their masters had of quieting them. A stick placed through the animals' nostrils was held at each end by a man, who, on the slightest show of temper on the creatures' part, turned it sharply, thus occasioning considerable pain, to avoid which the cow wisely lets herself be milked in peace. The milker sits on his haunches, his knees up to his chin, and the roughly-constructed narrow jar pressed between them.

To an European taste the pure warm fluid would have been thought a refreshing morning draught; but the Kaffir never takes it fresh, regarding it as indigestible. The new milk is poured into large jars where, perhaps, some sour milk still remains; there it is left to ferment, when the thick part separates from the whey, and is highly prized by the natives under the name of amasi, a species of clotted cream.

My meal being finished, I amused myself by watching a party of women, all similarly attired--that is, with the short skirt, reaching from the waist barely to the knee, and most with a child slung on their back, proceeding with various implements of husbandry to the fields; for all this kind of labour is performed by the females, who yet have to be home in time to attend to their lord and master's meals; and woe betide them if they are not ready, though, perhaps, the men have spent all the day in idleness, smoking, or sleeping. No wonder the feminine portion of these people grow absolutely haggish and hideous when but a few years over twenty.

I was surmising how my day would be pa.s.sed, when I was rejoiced to see Tugela approaching. Getting up, I went to meet him, and soon asked what he could propose for me to do; for he and I had grown to be excellent friends.

He informed me that one of the head men was about to take a wife that day, and, did I please, I might witness the ceremony. As I look with much reverence upon that holy rite, I had a great curiosity to see how it was conducted here; though from the specimen I had seen of the married women, and the arduous life theirs was, I wondered to myself how any Kaffir gentleman could find a lady to have him; but a girl in Caffraria regards it as the greatest indignity conceivable to remain single.

It appeared, however, in the present case, that the bridegroom who was to be, had really had some difficulty to obtain the lady's consent, having been on view for approval, with doubtful success.

This "view for approval" would rather astonish the young men of my land, and is vastly different to their pleasant little manoeuvrings to get a tete-a-tete with the dear one, so as to whisper in her ear their love, and, perhaps, listen to her charming avowal, given with a rosy blush and downcast eyes.

Here in Kaffirland, the bridegroom that would be arrays himself in his best, with leopard-tail isinene and umucha, or front and back ap.r.o.ns, necklaces on his neck, bracelets on his arms, a multiplicity of feathers in his head-ring, and then armed with his shield and a.s.sagais, his heart palpitating, according to his confidence, respecting the success of his visit, he repairs to his beloved one's home, and, sitting down among her friends, explains his wishes, and enumerates how many cows and skins he is willing to give for the lady of his choice. Should his offer suit the parents, the girl is sent for, who, coming no farther than the door, stares silently at her suitor.

With the Kaffir about to be married, it seemed that, "when on view," the lady, through a third party, as they do not address each other, had been most arbitrary in her demands. First he had to stand up in that way, then in this, after which he had to run and leap, to prove his merits; whereupon the lady left as silently as she had come. Shortly after, however, the parents brought the news to the delighted swain that he might send home the cows, as the girl had consented. It was this marriage which was to take place that day.

What Tugela had recounted informed me of one thing of which I was not previously aware, and certainly should not have imagined, from the servile way women were treated--that is, that in Kaffirland, save on rare occasions, the girls can select or reject a suitor as they please.

On walking about the kraal, I soon found that an affair of more than ordinary importance was going to take place, for all was bustle,-- accounted for, perhaps, by the fact that at marriage feasts, when, as in the present instance, the parties are rich, much beer is drunk and beef is eaten.

Telling Tugela that, if it were possible, I should like to see the whole of the ceremony, he conducted me to a rising ground, where, hidden by some cacti bushes, he informed me that I could easily watch the approach of the bride; and I had not long ensconced myself behind the shrubs-- seeking out as shady a spot as I could, for the sun burnt frightfully through my tattered seaman's dress--when the murmur of voices informed me of the lady's approach. Soon she appeared, led by two female friends, and followed by her family and companions, all in the gayest attire,--their woolly heads being decked with beads and porcupine spines, or white thorns; while those who were rich enough had arms and ankles covered with ornaments. The bride had evidently put on every available ornament that she could obtain; and if the Kaffir girl is no beauty, a.s.suredly, when she is attired in the bridal costume which denotes her position as a wife, she is, I may say, hideous. Her hair had been all shaved off save one tuft at the top, which had been stuck together, in an erect position, by some red clay or paint, while for the ap.r.o.n of the virgin had been subst.i.tuted the skirt of the matron. She was guarded by all her male relations, also dressed in their best, and armed with shields and a.s.sagais.

Waiting till the procession had pa.s.sed, I followed at a short distance till near the husband's kraal, when the bride sat down on the outside, while the giving over the cows, which const.i.tuted the marriage ceremony, took place. First an ox, termed ukutu, was given to the bride's mother, which was intended to be cooked for the wedding feast. After this the male relatives proceeded with a slow, peculiar step, brandishing their weapons and uttering a monotonous, droning chant, up to the husband's hut, he being as yet inside, and demanded of him the "father's ox,"

called umquoliswa. Upon, as a matter of form, his declaring that he had none to give, the father stated his intention of taking the bride home; to which the other made no reply till called upon to appear, when he did so with a rush, as if desiring to escape from the kraal, but the egress from which was instantly barred by the girls without, who, with much laughter and many jests, kept him in. Whereupon he ordered the umquoliswa to be brought, and, after it had been formally delivered over to the father, the bride entered the kraal, and the dances commenced.

I have already mentioned these dances as being most wild and grotesque.

First the husband and his friends began, while the others remained seated; then _vice versa_--each casting their weapons and shields about in the most reckless fashion, yet keeping time to the songs they sang, during which beer was drunk _ad libitum_ by the lookers on.

These dances were interspersed by harangues from the elder women and the father of the bride, giving advice to the girl about to enter upon the new life, and to the husband to treat her well and be kind; then followed more dancing, when the last ceremony was performed.

The bridegroom having seated himself on the ground, the bride, accompanied by two companions, danced up to him, and began most unceremoniously to kick the dust into his face, load him with abuse, and disarrange his head-gear,--all of which, perhaps feeling how soon it would be his turn to act the master in reality, he received with the greatest good humour.

Another ox was now brought forward, and presented by the bridegroom to the girl. This was solemnly slaughtered; and this last ceremony, Tugela told me, rendered the marriage complete, as, up to that time, either party could have cried off had they felt disposed. All the rites, therefore, being over, the feasting commenced, on the conclusion of which I learned the husband was permitted to take his wife home.

Having no desire to be more than a spectator, and being much oppressed by the heat, I managed to return alone to my hut; for I saw Tugela, who had come to me, was anxious to join the wedding party. When there, I threw myself down on my mat, and soon fell fast asleep, and dreamed of home and the dear ones it contained.

I was just fancying I was once more among them, with my children about my knees, and darling. Katie sitting by my side, her loving face either smiling into mine, or looking up with pretty terror, as I recounted my adventures and perils, when I awoke. The sun was sinking, and I had been aroused by a shadow falling over the entrance to the hut. Starting up, I found it was Tugela, who had come with a message from the chief; and a most surprising one it was, as my readers may imagine.

Metilulu had sent his compliments to the Englishman, and desired to say that, as I now had a hut of my own, I must require some one to cook my meals and attend to my wants; therefore he was condescending enough to wish that I should take a wife.

I regarded Tugela in horror; then concealing the feeling, which it might be dangerous to display, I, as politely and respectfully as I could, declined the offer, saying I was extremely conscious of, and grateful for, the kind intentions of the great chief respecting my comfort, but that I could cook meals and attend to my wants myself; for, being already married in my own country, it was against the custom of white men, as Tugela must know, to marry again.

"Ah," he responded, "but the English wife is far away; she no good--she no cook--she no work for you."