Pousa

I could not help noticing that Pousa viewed the creature with considerable trepidation, while as for the troopers in our rear, with one accord they wheeled their zebras, with the evident intention of making a bolt if necessary.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

Pousa very politely invited me to share his ration with him; but as I just then caught the sounds of

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

"It is true, Pousa, I can," answered I, willing to avail myself to the utmost of the opportunity that had been afforded me to display my power.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

These were, of course, the palace gardens; and when I enquired, Pousa informed me that the loungers belonged to the queen's retinue, the general public being rigorously excluded from them.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

There were a few people at work in the field and orchards, pygmies, like Pousa and his band, but at sight of us they hastily retired, having been previously ordered -- as I subsequently learned -- to keep well out of our way and not intrude their presence upon us.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

Despite his disinclination to talk, however, I contrived to extract a little information from him, learning, among other things, that I was not the first white man who had been permitted to enter the Bandokolo country, one other having arrived when Pousa was quite a young man, and died somewhat mysteriously soon afterward.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

I, Pousa, captain of the queen's bodyguard, have been dispatched by Bimbane, the Deathless

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

These trees, Pousa added, were sometimes employed instead of the monkeys as a means for the disposal of criminals.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

The Bandokolo, it appeared, used fire for a number of purposes, but possessed no knowledge of how to produce it, and were therefore obliged to conserve it by keeping lamps perpetually burning; and I could readily understand that, as Pousa explained, there were occasions when, as in times of violent storm and heavy rain, they were put to the gravest inconvenience through their inability to convey a lighted lamp from one place to another.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886

Briton, such a thing seemed impossible; yet Pousa had already supplied me with proof that surely ought to have been convincing to any reasonable man.

Through Veld and Forest An African Story Harry Collingwood 1886