98 LODGES IN THE WILDERNESS 



tract some hundred miles farther south, and 

 were incorrigible poachers of ostriches. By 

 means of a flying squadron of boys mounted 

 on tough ponies, these half-breeds used to 

 round up herds, comprising birds of all ages, 

 and mercilessly slaughter them all on the edge 

 of the Kanya-tract. 



.We outspanned after a trek of about three 

 hours. That night we intended to take things 

 easy, — at least I meant to try and persuade 

 Andries to consent to our so doing. The 

 wagon was lightly laden, owing to our having 

 consumed most of the water, — the heat had not 

 been excessive since the oxen started from 

 Gamoep; therefore they were not over-thirsty. 

 In fairly cool weather cattle bred on the 

 borders of the desert often voluntarily refrain 

 from drinking water for several days at a time. 

 We were homeward bound after a prosperous 

 voyage. Supper was being got ready; 

 Andries was busy preparing gemsbok soup, in 

 which to soak our rusks. The candle-bush 

 fire flared aloft. Our pipes were alight and 

 the peace of the desert filled us with content. 



Hendrick and Danster had skinned the 

 second jackal which, in anticipation of the 

 arrival of Piet Noona and his nephew with the 

 cattle, I had insisted should be reserved for 



