A ** MELODIOUS” INSTRUMENT. 99

of mystery, I drew out that noble and melodious
instrument a Jew’s harp! and beginning to play
a lively tune, the pipes of the Hottentots were
instantly laid aside, and every one employed in
gazing at me, with mouth half open, arms ex-
tended, and fingers stretched asunder. They might
have furnished an excellent idea to a painter who
wished to represent a group of figures struck by
the powers of enchantment. Their astonishment
was more than equalled by the pleasure they felt,
as they listened intently that they might not lose
a single sound.

‘When I ceased playing, I gave the harp to the
nearest Hottentot, but had some difficulty in teach-
ing him how to use it, which, having accomplished,
I sent him to his place, and not wishing to make
any difference among them, gave one to each.
some played tolerably, some ill, some horribly; in
truth, it was a discord that might have scared a
set of furies; even my oxen, frightened at such an
unusual noise, bellowed hideously; and in every
part of our camp there was a mixture of sounds
that exceeded description. At length, by a motion
of my hand, J made them understand I had some-
thing to say. In an instant every one was silent.
I then proposed that we should terminate our feast
by drinking a bumper of brandy each to the health
of our absent friends.