Page:Transactions of the Second International Folk-Congress.djvu/280

242 of some being called Samunga. When you go for mud, call out

Perhaps this may be the Gounja of the Hottentots.

King Alexander I met for the first time the 1st of July 1889. I had heard of him for years, but he had a way of slipping in and out of town that made it hard to interview him. With some friends I drove to the house where he was staying. It was a hot day, and he sat in most unkingly state outside the door on a wooden chair tipped against the wall.

As I looked at him I thought, "Well, you are the most uncanny old nigger I ever saw"; as I drew nearer, I added, "and the dirtiest."

He had on but two garments: a shirt, of which the original colour was lost, with the sleeves torn off above the elbow, and open in front, so that one could see all of his chest and some of his ribs. His trousers had evidently been made for a shorter and stouter man.

When he saw us he shut his eyes. When we asked if he was Alexander, he opened his eyes and said, " Yes, I am the great Alexander, King Alexander," and closed them again. My sister-in-law at once applied herself to the business in hand by saying we were unfortunate people who wish to buy some good luck. We would like to get a "jack", or something of the kind.

"Now you's foolin'. Duno nuttin' 'bout dat. I'se a Church member, I is, thes come up from Boone County foh a little visit."

"Are you King of the Church."

"Dat thes is my entitle. Go 'long, ladies, I ain't de one you a huntin'."

"I am sorry", said I, "for I know something about conjuring myself. For instance, I can make a trick of stump-water, grave-dust, jay feathers, and baby fingers that can strike like lightning." Instantly his manner changed. He flew at us like a bat, and clung to the side of the carriage. It required no persuasion to have him appoint an afternoon to visit us and "projeck" on things.

He came the evening of the 3rd of July. Brought with him