366 THE BIVOUAC MORE PITFALLS SPORT. 



As for ourselves, though much fatigued, we took the pre- 

 caution to provide security from all skulking night-prowlers » 

 By a roaring fire, and over a hearty supper, we forgot the 

 miseries of the day, and, in the firm anticipation of success, 

 cheerfully resigned our weary limbs to sleep. 



At an early hour the next morning we were on the move. 

 The air being cool, we proceeded briskly. About noon some 

 Bushmen were observed digging roots ; but they only allowed 

 us to approach within shouting distance. We managed, how- 

 ever, to hold some little conversation with them, and learned 

 that water was not far off. They warned us to proceed with 

 caution, as the whole river-bed in advance was undermined 

 with pitfalls. And true enough ; for, before being aware of 

 it, we found ourselves entrapped in a maze of yawning chasms, 

 down some of which bipeds and quadrupeds went together in 

 the most amicable confusion. However, being partially pre- 

 pared for the event, and traveling at a slow pace, we escaped 

 with a few bruises. To prevent a recurrence of the mischief, 

 a man or two proceeded in advance, and unmasked the re- 

 mainder. They were constructed on the same principle as 

 the one into which I had a short time previously been so un- 

 ceremoniously precipitated. 



At two o'clock P.M. we came to a halt by a well of clear, 

 good water. Within gunshot of this place was a " salt-lick," 

 much frequented by wild animals, such as rhinoceroses, gi- 

 raffes, gemsboks, koodoos, elands, gnoos, &c. ; but I prefer- 

 red to devote the ensuing night to rest and astronomical ob- 

 servations rather than lying in ambush for game. 



At an after period I had some good sport in this locality, 

 as also some spirited chases after elands. But space prevents 

 me from entering into details. 



The Otjombinde, without materially taking us out of our 

 direct route, had thus far befriended us ; but, if I wished to 

 reach the Lake, it was now out of the question any longer to 

 follow this river, as hence it pursued too southerly a course. 



