CiiAP. IX.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 75 



we succeeded in recovering all but one ; but every 

 endeavour to reclaim the oxen and sheep proving 

 abortive, we retired again to rest, having first as- 

 certained, by the light of a candle, that the con- 

 sternation had been occasioned by three lions 

 that had entered the fold and slain two of the sheep. 

 At daybreak, both Hottentots and savages were 

 despatched on the tracks of the fugitives. Some 

 of the savages shortly returned with the sheep, 

 several more having, however, been devoured by 

 lions ; but the former did not make their appear- 

 ance until noon, when they informed us that the 

 oxen had divided into two parties, and, being dread- 

 fully alarmed, would not stop in all probability until 

 they should reach the Kuruman ; adding, that if 

 we wished to recover them, each Hottentot must 

 be provided with a horse and a supply of ammu- 

 nition. Knowing from sad experience the fate that 

 awaited our steeds, upon whose well-being our sport 

 entirely depended, we resisted the application ; 

 upon which all but Claas and Ethaldur begged to 

 throw up their commissions. No one had any 

 complaint to allege except April, who objected to 

 the fatness of the mutton, and Andries, who felt 

 aggrieved by a threat of retribution extended at 

 Chooi. The latter looked particularly black, and 

 it was not until after he had been despatched with 

 Cobus on horseback in quest of the oxen, that 

 we discovered him to have been the instigator of a 

 plot, which had been joined by all, to desert us in the 

 wilderness, and return to the Colony with the 



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