They said that the gates were shut by the boys; but when I pointed out the boy who had done it, he said that he had been ordered to do it by the chief.
If we had gone in now we should have been looked on as having come under considerable obligations.
_8th March, 1867._--We went on to a village on the Looembe, where the people showed an opposite disposition, for not a soul was in it--all were out at their farms.

When the good wife of the place came she gave us all huts, which saved us from a pelting shower.

The boys herding the goats did not stir as we passed down the sides of the lovely valley.

The Looembe looks a sluggish stream from a distance.

The herdsman said we were welcome, and he would show the crossing next day, he also cooked some food for us.
Guided by our host, we went along the Looembe westwards till we reached the bridge (rather a rickety affair), which, when the water is low may be used as a weir.