144- THE HUNTER'S ARCADIA. 



of the night plover), which was rapidly answered by 

 half-a-dozen similar calls, each coming from a different 

 direction, and shortly afterwards we were joined by- 

 six natives. These people, we learned, were an 

 outpost of a Batlapin chief on his w r ay to Kooruman 

 to complain of the repeated thefts of cattle that had 

 lately been made from his tribe by Massouw's or 

 Moshette's people. As an advanced guard, advanced 

 pickets, or for feeling their way through an enemy's 

 country, there is no race of men in the world more 

 admirably suited for these purposes. We learned from 

 them that their chief Bareekie was only a few miles in 

 our front, so that, after giving our cattle and horses 

 a rest, we . should be with him soon after sunrise. 

 Such proved to be the case ; but, early as the hour 

 was, when we reached his locale he and his counsellors 

 were already assembled in the kotla of an adjoining 

 village, discussing affairs of state. Before <c outspan- 

 ning, 1 ' I sent my driver to report our arrival, and learn 

 where ; we were to unyoke, a courtesy that never 

 should be omitted when visiting the residence of 

 Boer or Bechuana. The outspan that was given 

 us was close to an abundant supply of water, shaded 

 with innumerable willows, and altogether presented 



