1884. five whites, most of whom appear as if they did
Vivi. not know how on earth they came, or what
business they had there. A few hear a truculent
scowl on their faces, as though they were labouring
under an uncommon load of trouble, which they
would gladly shuffle off in some manner. At the
table d’hôte I find them all assembled, and when the
red wine of Portugal has taken due effect there is
a strain of vivacity perceptible in their manner, and
when the meal is finished many of them hasten to bed,
even in mid-day. Wine and heat, I observe, make
them somnolent. I do not see any work performed,
although perhaps the coloured labourers may be doing
something in a shiftless manner, since no European is
supervising them.
In the morning, when the matin-bell sounds to
muster, I observe there is an extraordinary sick-list ;
about thirty-five of the coloured people require boluses,
potions and salves—just thirty per cent, of the entire
force ! Fearing an epidemic is.raging of which I had
heard no report, I examine more closely into their
faces, and find—for seventeen years amongst black
people furnish one with a great deal of knowledge
respecting negro characteristics—that the colour is
rich, and their skins freely effusing oil, the eyes are
bright also, although the contortions of pain evinced
by their features are enough to evoke pity. The
veterans from up-river, inured to toil, and who are
models of discipline, understand a certain signal, and
the steady approach of a dozen of these in martial
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