SINGULAR MALADY EMBASSADORS APPOINTED. 393 



intolerable. I was compelled to go to bed immediately. The 

 next day the affected part was much inflamed. The skin 

 became so tender that I could not bear even the touch of my 

 linen ; and when little George applied (though with the ten- 

 derest care) the lotion I had prescribed, I screamed with an- 

 guish. No position suited me. If I was compelled to change, 

 which could only be effected by another person's assistance, 

 the movement was agonizing. 



Apprehending that my illness might be of some duration, 

 and knowing but too well the character of savages, I deemed 

 it advisable to dispatch one or two of my men with a few 

 trifling presents to Lecholetebe, the chief of the Bechuanas 

 and the other people who inhabited the borders of the Lake 

 Ngami, to inform him of my arrival in his neighborhood and 

 the motive of my journey. Timbo, and Piet the Griqua, 

 were selected to carry out my wishes. 



While anxiously awaiting their return, we once more ran 

 short of flesh. I possessed a few sheep, it is true, but I was 

 afraid to Idll them, not knowing what the future had in store 

 for me. 



I therefore dispersed my men over the surrounding coun- 

 try ; but, though they met with game in abundance, from 

 mismanagement and bad shooting they were unable to bag a 

 single animal. 



One evening I desperately resolved to go to the water my- 

 self, in the hope of succeeding better. Accordingly, I ordered 

 my servants to prepare a "skarm," and to carry me there, 

 taking the chance of being run over or gored by elephants or 

 rhinoceroses ; for, in my disabled state, it was impossible, 

 should any animal charge, to get out of its way. Seeing my 

 helpless condition, the men remonstrated, but I was resolved 

 to go, and fortune favored me. 



I had patiently waited till nigh morning without seeing 

 any thing but hyaenas and jackals. I believe these creatures 

 knew I would not hurt them, for they approached within a 



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