Chap. XVIII.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 151 



Sichuana, and possessed a smattering of Zooloo, 

 and we thus hoped to be able to proceed without 

 the aid of a sworn interpreter. 



Owing to our unlocked for detention in the 

 morning, we were glad to halt for breakfast after an 

 hour's travel. Our long and wearisome marches 

 through a parched and sterile country, in the course 

 of which, as will have been remarked, our cattle 

 were frequently deprived of all sustenance for many 

 hours, had so reduced them in condition, that they 

 could hardly support the weight of their own emacia- 

 ted bodies. The last feed of corn was here divided 

 amongst three of the horses that appeared most in 

 need of it, the other half-starved wretches thrust- 

 ing in their noses for a share, at a loss to under- 

 stand why they should be excluded from so rare a 

 feast. 



Shortly after leaving Kapain, we observed a dog, 

 with neatly trimmed ears and tail, following Mo- 

 hanycom, who repeatedly endeavoured to drive him 

 away, saying that he was the king's dog, and had 

 been captured with Mr, Bain's waggons. Two 

 messengers were speedily sent to bring back this 

 pet, and his Majesty, unwilling to let slip so good 

 an opportunity of asking for something, had desired 

 them on no account to return without a fresh sup- 

 ply of wax candles. Conceiving, however, that our 

 compliance with this unreasonable request would 

 but lead to further exactions, we excused ourselves, 

 sending in lieu a tin mould and a bundle of cotton 

 wicks, with abundant compliments, and brief instnic- 



