806 HUNTTXtt ADVENTURES. 



ind the whole country exhibited such an aspect of sameness, that 

 there was no landmark or eminence of any description by which 

 to steer. Having ridden many miles through the forest, I at 

 length asked the Bushman, in whom on such occasions I gene- 

 raJly placed great confidence, if he was sure he was riding in the 

 right direction, and, as he appeared quite confident, I allowed him 

 10 proceed. At length he said that we had gone a little too far to 

 the left, and led me away several miles to the right, which was 

 westerly ; whereas the wagons eventually proved to be a long 

 way to the east. I felt convinced that we were wrong, and, rein- 

 ing up, a discussion arose between us, the Bushman still main- 

 taining that we must ride west, while I was certain that our course 

 should be east. I now adopted my own opinion, and, having 

 ridden many miles in an easterly direction, we were at one time 

 close upon the wagons, when the thick-headed Bushman declared 

 that if I persevered we should never see the wagons again, and 1 

 with equal stupidity yielded to his advice, and a southwesterly 

 course was once more adopted. Having ridden for many miles, 

 I again reined up, and again told the Bushman we were wrong ; 

 upon which he for the first time acknowledged that he knew no- 

 thing at all about the matter, but stated it to be his impression that 

 we ought to ride further to the west. My head was so confused 

 that I lost all recollection of how we had ridden ; and while I was 

 deliberating what I should do, I observed a volume of smoke a 

 long way to the north, which I at once imagined had been kindled 

 by my followers to guide their lost master to the wagons. 



With revived spirits, I stirred my jaded steed and made for the 

 smoke: but, alas! this only served to lead me further astray. 

 After riding many miles in that direction, I discovered that the fire 

 vvus at an amazing distance, and could not have been kindled by 

 my men ; it was the wild Bakalahari of the desert burning thu 

 old dry grass. I was now like a seaman in a hurricane at my 

 wit's end I knew not how to ride nor what to do. The sun, 

 which had just risen when I left the wagons, was about to set. 

 There was no landmark whatever by which to steer; I might 

 tvander for days, and not discover water. 



