148 SINGULAK TROPHIES OXEN STOLEN. 



strangers. We, of course, made due allowances, as our friend 

 was speaking of his mortal enemy; but the account so terri- 

 fied our men that three of them begged to be dismissed, and 

 they could only be persuaded to discontinue their solicitation 

 by our promising them not to pass through the territory of 

 the hostile chief. 



On one occasion, some cattle belonging to Mr. Hahn had 

 been stolen by a party of Omugunde's men. Remonstrances 

 being made, they were after a time returned, but minus their 

 tails, which were cut off by the natives, and kept by them as 

 " trophies." 



In conflict with Omugunde, several of Kahichene's children 

 had been killed, and one or two had unfortunately fallen 

 alive into the hands of the enemy. These were kept as 

 prisoners. Only one stripling was now left to solace Kahi- 

 chene in his old age. He informed us that he had made up 

 his mind to try to recover his offspring and his property, or 

 to die in the attempt. At first he appeared anxious for our 

 assistance; but, on mature consideration, he generously re- 

 fused any interference on our part in his behalf "For," 

 raid he, " when once the war begins, there is no saying when 

 or where it will end. The whole country will be in an up- 

 roar ; much blood will be shed ; and it would involve you in 

 endless difficulties and dangers." He, moreover, strongly 

 endeavored to persuade us from proceeding northward at all, 

 but in that matter he of course failed. 



We had only been a short time at Kotjiamkombe when 

 it was discovered that four of our best draft-oxen were stolen 

 by some stranger Damaras. On being informed of this theft, 

 Kahichene became exceedingly annoyed, and even distressed, 

 as he considered us under his special protection. He imme- 

 diately dispatched men on their tracks, with strict orders to 

 recover the oxen, and, if possible, to bring back the thieves. 

 They succeeded in recapturing all the beasts but one, which 

 the natives had slain and eaten. With regard to the fate of 



