The method of baking is as follows:--A large hole is dug in the ground, which is filled with wood and dry moss; this is ignited, and kept supplied till the cavity is filled with bright glowing embers; these are removed by the Kaffirs with large poles--for the heat is intense,--then the large elephant's foot is rolled into the burning hole, and immediately covered with fresh branches, which are lighted--a bonfire is made, indeed, and when it has burnt itself out the cooking is considered complete. The foot presents when done a most gelatinous appearance, and, as I was honoured by dining with the chief, I suppose I was regaled with the best parts. I must own, whether it was hunger acting as an excellent sauce or not, that I thought it extremely good, and enjoyed the repast. The feasting lasted some time; for when a Kaffir gets an opportunity of eating flesh _ad libitum_, he makes good use of it, and their capacity of consumption is _immense_, as will be seen when I state that, on looking round at the conclusion of the meal, I perceived the skeleton of the elephant alone remaining. Save a few strips hung over the branches of the trees to dry for the morrow--called "biltongue" in the native language--every atom of the flesh had been consumed. The hunters, and especially Metilulu, having eaten and drank till nature could receive no more, rolled themselves in their karosses, and, having first placed a guard to keep up the fires, so as to scare off the wild beasts, extended themselves on the ground to seek the sleep which speedily comes to them. With a fervent prayer that Metilulu might always keep in the same good humour that he had been in that day, I thought I could not do better than follow the excellent example of my companions; and I remember I fell asleep wondering how it was that the chief had never referred to the handsome present of a wife which he had wished to make me. CHAPTER THIRTEEN. UNPLEASANT NEWS--DEATH OF ANZUTU--FUNEREAL RITES.