A DAY IN KPIAMA'S COUNTRY 19 



wagon-Spoor. My comrades were just ahead. It 

 was still early, 8.15 a.m.; the wagons had reached 

 the water of Seruey, and were outspanned ; the 

 oxen — poor thirsty wretches — were distending them- 

 selves as fast as their throats could swallow water. 

 An ox's drinking capacity is enormous ; he sucks 

 down gallons, and a span or two, after a heavy thirst, 

 will seriously diminish a respectable pool. They 

 drink often till the water literally runs from their 

 mouths. Oar horses had been sent on during the 

 night, and, having drunk early, were now knee- 

 haltered and feeding among the long grass. Our 

 cook-boys had already a fire lighted, some chops and 

 liver were frying, and the coffee-kettle was nearing 

 boiling-point. The wagon-dogs, after slaking their 

 thirst, were strolling or lying about, watching the 

 proceedings, and waiting for porridge, or any other 

 delicacy that should fall in their way. 



Altogether it was a cheerful scene, and, sharp-set as 

 we were, we sat down to breakfast with more than 

 usual zest. To complete the measure of our content, 

 some natives from the cattle-post here (Seruey) 

 brought a quantity of new milk in the great Bechuana 

 pitcher-like wooden vessels. They only required a 

 few percussion-caps (" doppies ") in exchange, and 

 we had no difficulty in effecting a deal. At this 

 place, and henceforward for the remainder of this 

 expedition to Ngamiland, we found the natives all 



