He borrowed horses and rode round among
those chiefs, binding them over, in their only recognisances, as
honourable men, not to disturb the country. It was a strange Pax
Britannica; an affair of novel, almost quixotic, elements. But it went
through royally.
'You know,' one fancies Sir George delivering himself during his circuit
of the kraals, 'the Queen, for whom I speak, has to quell a rising which
threatens all that is good in one of her other possessions. Those who
fight against her are of exceeding number, while her forces there are
comparatively few. Now, you are all warriors of experience who, if there
must be fighting, would like to see a fair contest. In England the Queen
has many soldiers, but England is as far again from India as we are.
Thus, I can send troops from here in less time, and I am doing so,
relying upon you, as gentlemen, to see that the peace is kept while they
are away. With you, therefore, I leave that trust, mindful that we are
all subjects of a Queen who loves those who serve her loyally, but who,
when justly angered, can strike heavily.'
The velvet glove, fastening with the steel button, was gladly taken up by
the chiefs, nor did they betray the Governor's confidence. His invasion
of Moshesh, in this relation, was quite an exploit, for the old fellow
was stern and wily.
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