Now, after a brief space, the hunt terminated, and all quitted their places to collect the game and dine. The koodoo is much prized by the Kaffir, owing to the good flavour and tenderness of its flesh; and soon one was prepared for our eating. Utensils had been brought with the party, and, a fire being made, the meat was cast into a pot over it. Usually the Kaffir lets it boil till it's in rags; but now, before it was half-done, it was out again, and being eagerly devoured by the hungry hunters, your humble servant fully doing his part. One thing, however, much disgusted me. On the death of the koodoo they broke the leg-bones, and ate the marrow warm, but not with cooking, for that is a preliminary which they entirely dispense with in enjoying this luxury. After we had regaled ourselves to our hearts' content, and I had learned through Tugela that my conduct during the day had much surprised and pleased my companions, who predicted I might become a good hunter, we prepared to return to the kraal. The "boys" loaded themselves with the game, and we marched home. Home! I use the word now from habit, yet how sadly it sounded to me then. Truly, though no hostility had been shown to me by the natives, but, on the contrary, rather a friendliness, so that I felt I had no need to fear respecting my safety; still the mind of the Englishman, be he in whatever spot of this sphere he may, when he speaks of home, will revert to the well-known pleasant chimney-nook and the well-beloved faces of his dear native land. The sun--ah, and what a sun!--was setting as we came in sight of the kraal, most of the inhabitants of which flocked out to meet us; for our load promised food in galore for the morrow. Abruptly, however, the groups divided, and Metilulu issued forth, attended by his councillors and joila or beer. Upon his appearance we came to a halt on the plain till he had seated himself, when, all the slaughtered animals having been laid before him, the dance began, which I and my poor companions--how I longed to know what had become of them-- had witnessed from the bush. While this ceremony took place, some young boys laid across the game to prevent their being attacked by evil spirits. After this was over, I became aware that my behaviour during the hunt had been communicated to the chief, and had met with his approbation. In Kaffir language he highly complimented me, and I in English responded in equally flowery terms respecting his nobleness, his kindness, and hospitality.