364 TIRED OUT LAUGHED AT BY A JACKAL. 



miles before we found it necessary to make a halt and biv- 

 ouac for the night. We were so thoroughly knocked up with 

 the severe labor of the day, that after having hastily removed 

 the packs from the vicious beasts, we literally dropped to 

 sleep where we stood, not one of the party giving a thought 

 as to food, fire* water, or covering, of each and all of which 

 we stood greatly in need. 



On returning to consciousness the following morning, the 

 first object that met my half-sleepy gaze was a jackal, busily 

 engaged examining our baggage. Having no gun within 

 reach, I threw a handful of sand at the impudent fellow, on 

 which he saluted me with a mocking laugh, and slowly re° 

 treated. But had I then been aware of the full extent of his 

 mischievous propensities, he should certainly not have es- 

 caped so easy. The brute had, indeed, devoured one of the 

 " riems" with which we secured the packs on the oxen. 

 Nothing could possibly have been more unfortunate ; the 

 thong Avas, at that. time, worth its weight in gold. We had 

 ten oxen to pack, and only nine " riems !" Here, then, was 

 a fine opportunity for a man to exert his ingenuity. It was 

 totally out of the question to divide any of the remaining 

 straps, for they were short and narrow enough already, and 

 they must be of a certain length and solidity in order to serve 

 the purpose effectually. At length, however, and after much 

 searching, patching, and splicing, a very indifferent substitute 

 was produced, and we were again en route, though not be= 

 fore I had, for the fiftieth time, vowed dire vengeance against 

 the whole race of jackals. 



This day (May 15th) we proceeded alternately in the bed 

 and on the borders of the Otjombinde River. The soil con- 

 sisted of fine white sand, reflecting a light dazzling and pain- 

 ful to the eyes, while it was soft and yielding to the feet. 

 The grass was still green and very plentiful, and the vegeta- 

 tion, in general, was rank. We passed several vleys contain- 

 ing small quantities of muddy water, alive with loathsome 



