202 LODGES IN THE WILDERNESS 



area contained within the sickle-bend. With 

 Hendrick and a couple of bearers I should be 

 able to cover twenty miles a day. My plan 

 was to strike north-east across the veld until I 

 reached the river; then to follow, so far as 

 possible, the course of the latter down to 

 Arris, beyond Kuboos. Andries was to take 

 the wagon back to Kuboos and thence to Arris, 

 where he would wait for me. My journey, if 

 I put my best foot forward, should not con- 

 sume more than three days, and it would take 

 Andries fully two by the more direct route. 



I could but ill afford the time, but really all 

 that was involved was the loss of one day. In 

 all probability I should never have another 

 opportunity of exploring the Richtersveld. 



Andries grumbled at first, but eventually 

 gave in. I reminded him that he might fill in 

 his day of waiting by taking a walk from Arris 

 to the mouth of the Orange River. An inspec- 

 tion of our stores shewed that we were still 

 fairly well off. So Hendrick was sent to the 

 scherms of our followers to call for volunteers 

 — men who knew the country well — who would 

 act as guides as well as carry our baggage. 



My only regret was that I should lose the 

 opportunity of bidding farewell to my excel- 

 lent friend the Vicar. 



