Chap. XXXVII.] SOUTHERN AFRICA. 331 



US evil fortune. The timidity of our little flock of 

 sheep had increased in the ratio of their reduction in 

 numerical strength ; and during this night, all efforts 

 to keep them near the waggons proving abortive, 

 they dashed for the last time into the wilderness, and 

 we saw them no more. Leaving Frederick to hunt 

 for his truant charge, we pursued our journey at a 

 merry pace in the morning, and after experiencing 

 much difficulty in crossing the Calf river, the bottom 

 of which is extremely muddy, we reached the ti-ek- 

 boor's encampment. Like most of the Cape colo- 

 nists, our juvenile allies held English men and Eng- 

 lish rifles in equal contempt ; and until I had shot 

 two gnoos for their edification, at four hundred yards, 

 were not to be persuaded that a barrel under four 

 feet in length, or of smaller calibre than their own 

 clumsy roers, could be of the slightest avail. The 

 gnoo and spring-buck, although still abundant, had 

 become now so exceedingly wild from constant per- 

 secution, that during the rest of our journey I found it 

 requisite to display a red handkerchief on the muzzle 

 of my rifle, in order to inveigle the former within 

 shot. This exhibition invariably produced the most 

 violent excitement, and caused the herd to charge 

 past in single file, with mane erect and blazing eye 

 — following their leader — flinging out their heels, 

 lashing their tails, and butting with their horns in 

 so menacing a manner, that I was not unfrequently 

 compelled to strike my colours. 



Our object now being to recruit our teams and 

 lighten the waggons of all redundant stores, we lost 



