288 LIFE ON THE HIGHT VELDT. 



interesting game, was not sold then ; but I trusted 

 to find a purchaser on a future occasion among the 

 coloured aristocracy of the land. I have heard it 

 said that money won at cards never does any good. 

 Certainly this horse, won by these means, did not 

 promise to be of much service to me. 



At Gokwe I was joined by a number of natives 

 who were returning from the diamond-fields. 

 Among them was an unmistakable Hottentot. My 

 cook told me that he came from Basutoland, was a 

 good horseman, and would like to ride the black. 

 It was all for amusement and pleasure that he would 

 do it. No, he did not want any saddle ; a blanket 

 and a surcingle was all he required, except possibly 

 I could spare for the occasion my handsome silver- 

 mounted jambok. The Tottie's trifling request was 

 acceded to, for I expected some fun, and that he 

 would not go far. 



With his customary amiability Poker was 

 mounted ; the yellow imp gave a yell, and at the 

 same time laid on with vigour the jambok. At such 

 treatment the black was evidently taken by surprise, 

 for he forgot to buck-jump, but went off into the veldt 

 at a swinging gallop, that far excelled in pace any 

 speed that could be shown by the other horses about 

 the waggons. 



At length rider and horse began to grow beauti- 

 fully less in the distance, and ultimately disap- 

 peared. I began to regret that my animal was 



