326 A HOTTENTOT PATRIOT. 



direction we were going to pursue, a fire was to be 

 lit upon it, the smoke of which by day and blaze by 

 night would give us ample warning of the necessity 

 to adopt new measures. 



Before taking an adieu of my pursuers, I again 

 went to the edge of the cliffs to have a final survey 

 of them. In doing so I surprised a koodoo, which, 

 in bounding along the face of the ravine, detached a 

 stone, which rolled down in close proximity to their 

 camp. One or two of the younger men rushed for 

 their arms ; but the older heeded not, believing, 

 doubtless, that it was the work of baboons. 



Before next morning I had travelled good sixty 

 miles from the scene recorded above, and the time 

 had arrived for Cigar to bid me good-bye. Our 

 parting took place on a hill-side which looks over 

 one of the loveliest countries in Africa or any other 

 land. My Hottentot friend, who is remarkable for 

 the size, fulness, and boldness of his eyes, appeared 

 sad indeed ; but he spoke not, for his heart was too 

 full for speech. At length I said to him : 



" What a sin it is that such a splendid country 

 should be the scenes of the exhibition of all that is 

 bad in the white man's character." 



" Yes ; but they are not your countrymen. Would 

 that they were back here again ; but that will never 

 be now. Once I had hoped they would remain with 

 us ; but that is over since the day you gave back the 

 Transvaal." 



