SOME OF THE SERVANTS ABSCOND INTERPRETERS. 355 



that I might one day be obliged to H\ e on Bushman diet, 1 

 partook eagerly of every root, bulb, berry, &c., that grew wild 

 about the country, but always (with the exception of the 

 above instance) took the precaution first to ascertain from the 

 natives its properties. I derived benefit from this plan ; for, 

 when ordinary food failed me, I could at all events contrive 

 to exist for a time on this rude fare. 



On returning one day to the camp from a fatiguing hunt, 

 I found that all my Damaras had absconded. I was aston- 

 ished and vexed beyond measure, for the greater part had 

 been long in my employ, and had proved themselves very 

 faithful. One of them had, only the day previously, been 

 telling me that, unless I drove him forcibly away, he would 

 never abandon me, but would share my fortune, whether good 

 or bad. I soon discovered that Timbo had caused the de- 

 fection. I had appointed him head man of the servants ; but 

 he being dark-complexioned, the Damaras did not like to be 

 ruled by one so much resembling themselves. 



In the first burst of anger I declared I would do without 

 them, and that I would punish them severely on my return. 

 A moment's reflection, however, convinced me that, both for 

 my own sake, and by way of example for the remainder of 

 the men, it was necessary, if possible, to bring them back to 

 their duty. Eyebrecht was accordingly dispatched on this 

 errand. After several days' absence he returned with the 

 runaways, and as they looked penitent, I thought it best to 

 pass the ofiense quietly over, and say nothing. 



At Twass, the head-quarters of Lambert, Amral's eldest 

 Fon — a chief of even greater importance than his father — I 

 was joined by Piet, the Griqua, who was to accompany me 

 to the Lake in the capacity of interpreter. He knew the 

 Bechuana language tolerably well, and, as a matter of course, 

 spoke Dutch fluently. Onesimus also knew a smattering of 

 this last tongue, and was perfect in the Damara and Nama- 

 qua. Louis was pretty well versed in Portuguese and the 



