270 EXPEDITION INTO [Chap. XXX. 



might be acting under the royal instructions, with 

 a design of deterring us from proceeding. Per- 

 sonal considerations would have justified, if they 

 did not demand, our putting the caitiffs to death 

 upon the spot ; but after some deliberation, it was 

 resolved, after adopting precautionary measures 

 against a night surprise, that we should see whether 

 the morrow's dawn might not find them in a more 

 accommodating humour. Ammunition was accord- 

 ingly served out, and a place allotted to every one 

 in case of an attack — the horses being secured to 

 the front of our own waggon, lest the weak nerves 

 of the Hottentots should induce them to jump upon 

 their backs on the first appearance of danger. As 

 a last arrangement before going to bed, Ethaldur — 

 whose nights, if passed at a distance from the 

 " licensed retailer of wine and brandy," were usually 

 restless — was selected to perform the important 

 part of Cerberus, in which duty he was voluntarily 

 assisted by Cceur de Lion, who declared his utter 

 inability to close his eyes. " Did I not tell you," 

 croaked the former of these bold spirits to his 

 companion, as, pipe iu mouth, he proceeded to 

 mount guard — " Did I not tell you that we should 

 all have our throats cut, so sure as we came out by 

 the Vaal Riviere ! " 



