176 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XXI. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



MEETING WITH KALIPI'S COMMANDO, AND ARRIVAL 

 AT THE CASHAN MOUNTAINS. 



The morning of the 1st November brought to light 

 several parties of Matabili warriors on the opposite 

 side of the river, escorting large droves of cattle 

 towards Kapain. They appeared purposely avoiding 

 us, but although we were unable to hold any com- 

 munication with them, we felt convinced that they 

 formed a part of Kalipi's commando. After skirt- 

 ing the deep sedgy channel of the Simalakate several 

 miles, in quest of a ford, we arrived at a point where 

 it takes a sudden bend to the eastward, and, even at 

 this season, falls with considerable violence over a 

 stratum of granite, which forms a rough, but com- 

 plete pavement. Across this stony drift we effected 

 a passage, though not without sundry violent 

 concussions, that bid fair to dislocate the joints of 

 our heavy vehicles, and rendered necessary the pre- 

 caution of removing the guns, and all brittle wares, 

 during the trajet. 



We unyoked for breakfast in an extensive mimosa 

 grove, which rivalled in beauty all that we had 

 hitherto seen. The airy parasol-shaped foliage was 

 intertwined above our heads in such a manner as 

 to be perfectly impervious to the sun's rays, the con- 



