CHAPTER XII 



EXPEDITION TO THE RIVER — FLORA AND FAUNA — THE 



PNEUMORAS ABNORMAL SPRINGBUCK — THE SEA-FOG 



— WILD HORSES — FAUNA AND BIMINI. 



IN the grey dawn I arose and resumed 

 preparations for the expedition. When, 

 after breakfast, I sent word to the scherms 

 that I wished the guides to report themselves 

 for duty, I was both flattered and embarrassed 

 to find that every man, woman and child of 

 my camp following was not only willing, but 

 apparently determined to join my colours. 

 The previous day had seen a considerable 

 increase to the contingent, which now included 

 two members of the Raad. The number was 

 alarming; nearly twenty-five per cent, of the 

 estimated population of the Richtersveld must 

 have been in the vicinity of the camp. The 

 fame of my liberality had gone forth ; I had 

 distributed some tobacco among the adults 

 and with a few dates had gladdened the hearts 

 of the children. But I could not afford to 

 bestow largesse upon the crowd which at my 

 call eagerly stood forth. 



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