112 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XIV. 



absent with Kalipi on the commando against the 

 emigrant farmers. The Missionaries estimated 

 this force to consist of near five thousand warriors. 



On the north and north-east, the Kurricane 

 range of mountains rose in majestic grandeur, a 

 great treat to us after the extensive unvaried flat over 

 which we had travelled since leaving Kuruman, and 

 indeed almost ever since passing the Sneuwbergen. 

 The cultivated land in all parts of the basin was 

 extensive ; and countless herds of sleek oxen were 

 grazing on the slopes. Our one-eyed friend, the 

 deputy-governor, who was exceedingly reluctant 

 to leave such amiable society, had taken his seat on 

 the fore-chest of the leading waggon, having first 

 paid Coeur de Lion the compliment of removing his 

 camlet cloak, and enveloping his own greasy person 

 therein as a protection against the cold, which was 

 far from moderate. The old mans elliptically 

 crowned bald pate protruded above the high collar, 

 contrasted with the grotesque solemnity of his de- 

 portment, had a sufficiently ludicrous appearance. 

 Baba, the interpreter, had brought two horses, one 

 of which he rode. Piet, who fancied himself at the 

 point of death, had composed himself upon my cot, 

 of which he held the monopoly for several days ; and 

 the two savages who had announced our advent to 

 the king, accompanied us as guides, or more cor- 

 rectly speaking, as spies. These fellows rendered 

 themselves particularly obnoxious during the whole 

 journey, by their peremptory interference in our 

 affairs, as well as by their offensive familiarity. 



