The natives are not interfered with in their various amusements, always provided they do not make themselves objectionable to their neighbours. They soon learn that tribal animosities are to be left outside the compound. One Sunday afternoon my wife and I walked unattended about the compound, almost the only whites present among 1700 natives. The manners of the fold were so friendly, and their smiles so cordial, that the idea of fear vanished. At one part a Kafir was making a pair of trousers with a bright nickel-plated sewing-machine, in which he had invested his savings; next to him a “boy” was reading from the Testament in his own language to an attentive audience; in a corner a party were engaged in cooking a savoury mess in an iron pot; further on the orchestra was tuning up and Zulus were putting the finishing touches to their toilet of feathers and beads. One group was intently watching a mysterious game. It is played by two sides, with stones and grooves and hollows in the ground, and appears of most absorbing interest. It seems to be universal throughout Africa; it is met with among the ruins of Zimbabwe, and signs of it are recorded on old Egyptian monuments. I wanted to learn it, and an intelligent Zulu player offered to teach it to me in a few minutes. Captain Dallas, however, with a more accurate opinion of my intelligence than my friend the Zulu, assured me it would take months before I could begin to know anything about it. He had tried for years and could make nothing of it. [Illustration: FIG. 6. DE BEERS COMPOUND.] [Illustration: FIG. 7. DE BEERS MINE. UNDERGROUND WORKINGS. To face p. 40.] They get good wages, varying according to occupation. The work is appreciated, and there are always more applicants than can be accepted. On entering, the restrictions to which they must submit are fully explained, and they are required to sign for three months at least, during which time they must not leave the compound or mine. A covered way and tunnel lead the workers underground to the down shaft, while those working on the depositing floors go and come under guard. It is seldom that a man does not return once he has lived the life in the compound; some come again and again for years, only leaving occasionally to spend accumulated savings. The most careful men save money, and carry it at intervals to the superintendent to keep for them. Occasionally they ask to look at their savings, which may amount to £30 or £40, accumulated by driblets. They are ignorant of savings banks or interest, and are content if they see their own money in the original rags and papers. The Kafir, on demand, must behold his coins just as he handed them in, wrappings and all. Sometimes the superintendent will have as much as £1000 of savings in his care.