164 TO RETURN OR GO FORWARD? 



means a despicable antagonist. Indeed, instances are known 

 where they have perished together. At Omanbonde, we 

 were told that a combat of this kind occurred not long before 

 our arrival. A rhinoceros, having encountered ^n elephant, 

 made a furious dash at him, striking his long sharp horn into 

 the belly of his antagonist with such force as to be unable to 

 extricate himself, and in his fall the elephant crushed his 

 assailant to death. 



In sauntering one day about the neighborhood of Oman- 

 bonde, Galton suddenly found himself confronted by a lion, 

 which seems terribly to have terrified him ; and he candidly 

 tells us that, being only armed with a small rifle, he would 

 "much rather have viewed him at a telescopic distance." 



As soon as we had somewhat recovered from our bitter 

 disappointment, we began seriously to consider our situation, 

 and to consult on our future plans. Once more we were 

 without a definite object. Should we return, or push boldly 

 forward? At one time my friend entertained thoughts of 

 going no farther ; in which case, though it was probable we 

 might reach home in safety, it was very certain we, should 

 reap but little credit for what had been done. On the other 

 hand, by continuing to travel northward, we exposed our- 

 selves to much risk and danger. From experience, we were 

 aware that, to accomplish even a comparatively short distance 

 in our very slow mode of traveling, months would elapse. 

 In that time, all the pools and vleys which now contained 

 water would probably be dried up. This would be certain 

 destruction to ourselves and cattle. Besides this, our men 

 were disheartened, and wished to return. However, in that 

 respect there would be less difficulty, as they were now near- 

 ly as much dependent on us as we on them, inasmuch as a 

 broad tract of wild, inhospitable country separated us from 

 the nearest point of civilization. 



From Jonker Afrikaner and various other sources of in- 

 formation, we had already learned that at a considerable 



