362 KLOOF AND KARROO. 



waggon track lay up and down precipitous ascents 

 and declivities, littered here and there with huge 

 boulders, or hollowed out into dangerous spruits and 

 holes at length the stout but wearied oxen faced 

 the last steep hill to the farmhouse, and with many 

 a pistol crack of the great whip, many a Hottentot 

 curse directed at Zwartland, Kleinboy, Englesman, 

 Akerman, and the rest, dragged their heavy burdens 

 up to the open space that had been cleared in front 

 of the homestead. It had been arranged that Van 

 der Meulen's eldest son should remain upon the 

 farm until Goodrick and his wife had arrived, and, 

 further, that an old Hottentot, Cupido by name, who 

 knew the farm and its ways well, and two young 

 Kaffirs who had lately arrived from Kaffraria in 

 search of work, should transfer their services to 

 the new-comer. 



These four were therefore ready, having already 

 brought in and kraaled the goats for the night, and 

 they assisted the Englishman to outspan his oxen 

 and unload the waggons. After two or three hours' 

 hard work, a good portion of the waggons was 

 unloaded, and part of the furniture arranged in the 

 house ; three of the horses were placed for the night 

 in the rough building adjoining the dwelling-house, 

 that served for a stable, while the remainder had 

 been turned into a large stone kraal which lay on 

 the other flank of the house. Meanwhile the white 

 servant had prepared supper, which partaken of, the 

 wearied travellers retired to rest. About the middle 

 of the night Goodrick and his wife were suddenly 

 aroused by a great commotion in the stable ; the 

 horses were trampling, plunging, and squealing as 

 if suddenly disturbed or scared. Then there rose 



