lack
water."

In an instant from a thousand throats rose cries of adulation, and
looking around I saw that drawn up before us was a great concourse of
fighting-men. Some were mounted on magnificent chargers, others were on
foot, and among them were many silken banners each bearing the same
device, a black vampire bat with wings outspread upon a crimson ground.
Each soldier was similarly attired to Babila, with white embroidered robe
and girdle, and each carried a rifle and a long curved sword.

Babila was evidently a great man in the estimation of all others, for
whatever he did the soldiers imitated. In appearance they had the
advantage of all coloured and most white races. As a rule they seemed
very tall, well set up, with well-formed limbs covered with an almost
white skin, the texture of which would excite envy in the heart of many a
European beauty. The features had nothing in common with the coarse negro
type which prevailed in the forest and over the grass-lands, but rather
inclined towards a Semitic type. Thick lips were the exception, not the
rule, and a broad flat nose was also a rarity. The only sign of barbarity
was in the hair which, when the head was not clean shaven, was allowed to
grow straight out in every direction, giving a very wild appearance to
its owner. The hair of some, however, seemed to be softer, for it hung
down to the nape of the neck in long, closely-curled ringlets. The women,
a few of whom were watching us curiously, were all comely, and, attired
in long white robes of a more elaborate pattern than the men, had their
hair enclosed in a dark blue fillet, a difference in the disposition of
the latter distinguishing between a married and an unmarried woman.

A great tent of yellow silk had been erected near, presumably for our
accommodation. Over it waved the hideous-looking vampire bat, and as led
by Babila with frequent prostrations we entered it, I asked Omar the
meaning of the sable device.

"It is the royal mark of the Sanoms, the same as the lion and the unicorn
is the crest of your great Queen. The black vampire is the guardian
fetish of our throne."

On entering, Omar walked to a raised dais whereon two stools were placed,
and taking one invited me to the other. Then, while awaiting the arrival
of our companions, food was brought to us, and we ate and drank to our
full, Babila himself attending to our wants personally. Neither were our
companions forgotten, for they were arrang