Chap. XXXI.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 2/3 



The Matabili were fast receding in single file 

 towards the northern horizon, when we commenced 

 oiir retreat to the southward ; and crossing the river 

 by a natural causeway which formed a small bub- 

 bling cascade, shaped our course along the bank. 

 A verdant meadow, on which numerous elands 

 were grazing in herds like tame cattle, stretched 

 away before us, and was traversed, throughout its 

 length, by the silver stream of the tortuous Chona- 

 pas, winding in rainbow brightness between fringes 

 of waving bulrushes. The direction it assumed 

 convincing us that it must be a tributary of the 

 river to which we were journeying, we determined, 

 by hugging the bank, to avoid the chance of passing 

 the night without water; and to guard as far as 

 possible against other misfortunes, a new order of 

 march v>as ordained — the oxen, horses, and sheep, 

 being driven close to the waggons, en masse, and 

 not suffered to straggle as of yore. 



We had proceeded some ten miles in this fashion, 

 when two human figures were descried at a dis- 

 tance, accompanied by several dogs. Immediately 

 on perceiving us, they concealed themselves beneath 

 a bush ; and on our approach, fled in the greatest 

 consternation, sitting gloomily down as " men 

 without hope" when our horses were actually at 

 their heels. Expecting nothing at our hands but 

 instant death, these miserable savages were not a 

 little surprised at receiving a liberal supply of 

 tobacco, and an invitation to the waggons, where 

 they feasted so heartily, that although anxious to 



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