“Indeed! what is the quarrel, and with whom?”

“Hinza has quarreled with a powerful neighboring chief of the name of Voosani, who reigns over the Tambookie tribes, about some cattle, which are the grand cause of quarrels in these countries, and both parties are preparing for war.  But whether it will take place is doubtful, as they are both threatened with a more powerful enemy, and may probably be compelled to unite, in order to defend themselves.”

“And who may that be?”

“Quetoo, the chief of the Amaquibi, is in arms with a large force, and threatens the other tribes to the northward of us; if he conquers them, he will certainly come down here.  He was formerly one of Chaka’s generals, and is, like him, renowned for slaughter.  At present he is too far to the northward to interfere with you, but I should advise you to lose no time in effecting your mission; for should he advance, you will be compelled to retreat immediately.  I had better send to Hinza to-morrow to let him know that strangers have come and wish to see him, that they may make him a present.  That notice will bring him fast enough; not but that he well knows you are here, and has known that you have been in his country long ago.”

“It will be as well, after the information you have given us,” said Mr. Swinton.

“What is your opinion of the Caffres, Mr. S., now that you have resided so long with them?”

“They are, for heathens, a fine nation,—­bold, frank, and, if any thing is confided to them, scrupulously honest; but cattle-stealing is certainly not considered a crime among them, although it is punished as one.  Speaking as a minister of the Gospel, I should say they are the most difficult nation to have any thing to do with that it ever has been my lot to visit.  They have no religion whatever; they have no idols; and no idea of the existence of a God.  When I have talked to them about God, their reply is, ‘Where is he? show him to me.’”

“But have they no superstitions?”

“They believe in necromancy, and have their conjurers, who do much harm, and are our chief opponents, as we weaken their influence, and consequently their profits.  If cattle are stolen, they are referred to.  If a chief is sick, they are sent for to know who has bewitched him; they must of course mention some innocent person, who is sacrificed immediately.  If the country is parched from want of rain, which it so frequently is, then the conjurers are in great demand:  they are sent for to produce rain.  If, after all their pretended mysteries, the rain does not fall so as to save their reputation, they give some plausible reason, generally ending, however, in the sacrifice of some innocent individual; and thus they go on, making excuses after excuses until the rain does fall, and they obtain all the credit of it.  I need hardly say that these people are our greatest enemies.”

“Are you satisfied with the success which you have had?”