270 ifctnss of tbe 1Rofc, IRffle, anfc Gun 



in which Moffat's son-in-law Dr. Livingstone, as yet 

 unknown to fame, was settled. Here, too, our hunter 

 stayed awhile, and was made gladly welcome by his 

 brother Scot. 



Still the land of promise lay onwards. A dreary 

 distance of two hundred miles over rugged and apparently 

 impassable mountain-ranges, wide-rolling sandy plains 

 destitute of water, and vast trackless forests, lay between 

 Bakatla, Dr. Livingstone's missionary station, and 

 Bamangwate, the grand district of the elephants ; and 

 the interpreter and guides who had been hired for the 

 expedition did their utmost to dissuade the bold Scot 

 from advancing by drawing frightful pictures of the 

 difficulties of the way. He was also exposed to 

 another annoyance which threw on him an additional 

 burden. The Bechuanas were extremely fond of flesh, 

 which they considered the only food befitting man 

 Corn and milk they reckoned the food of women. Having 

 no flesh at home and being seldom able to kill large 

 game for themselves, they entertained great respect for 

 those who killed plenty of venison for them, and they 

 would travel to very great distances for the purpose of 

 obtaining it. Hence Gumming found himself transformed 

 into a South African chief, with a ready-made clan 

 following at his heels, all blessed with splendid digestions, 

 clamorous for animal food, and regarding him as their 

 legitimate purveyor. Many a weary hour was he forced 

 to pass in the saddle, in order to satisfy the appetites of 

 these carnivorous attendants. Fortunately they were 

 not very particular as to quality, for they would sit down 

 with satisfaction to a meal of rhinoceros or crocodile 



