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Seven Years in South Africa.
CHAPTER VII.
FIRST VISIT TO THE MARUTSE KINGDOM.
My reception by Sepopo—The libeko—Sepopo’s pilfering propensities—The royal residence—History of the Marutse-Mabunda empire—The various tribes and their districts—Position of the vassal tribes—The Sesuto language—Discovery of a culprit—Portuguese traders at Sepopo’s court—Arrangements for exploring the country—Construction of New Sesheke—Fire in Old Sesheke—Culture of the tribes of the Marutse-Mabunda kingdom—Their superstition— Rule of succession— Resources of the sovereign—Style of building—The royal courtyard—Musical instruments— War-drums—The kishi dance—Return to Impalera and Panda ma Tenka—A lion adventure.
IN THE PAPYRUS THICKETS.
A crowd of natives in leather and cotton aprons announced that the king was waiting to receive me, and after proceeding another
