I mentioned the whole world because nothing less than this would have done.

Had I endeavoured to distinguish between the British Empire and, say, the German, I should have again got beyond my hearers' depth, so to speak, and involved myself in difficulties.
Half instinctively, but without motive, I refrained from mentioning that the ruler of the British Empire was _a woman_, but this admission dropped from me accidentally one day, and then--what a falling off was there! I instantly recognised the mistake I had made from the contemptuous glances of my blacks.

And although I hastened to say that she was a mighty chieftainess, upon whose dominions the sun never set; and that she was actually the direct ruler of the blacks themselves, they repudiated her with scorn, and contemned me for singing the praises of a mere woman.

I had to let this unfortunate matter drop for a time, but the subject was ever present in my mind, and I wondered how I could retrieve my position (and her Majesty's) without eating my words.

At length one day Yamba and I came across a curious rugged limestone region, which was full of caves.
Whilst exploring these we came upon a huge, flat, precipitous surface of rock, and then--how or why, I know not--the idea suddenly occurred to me to _draw a gigantic portrait of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria_! At this period, I should mention, I was a recognised chief, and periodically--once every new moon--I gave a kind of reception to my people, and also to the neighbouring tribes.