MR. CURRIE TRYING IT ON. 71 



eight, it was resolved to treck farther ; but as the 

 Howick cattle had to return, I endeavoured to make a 

 bargain with our host for the use of some of his oxen 

 and a driver till we reached Mooi Eiver. Because it 

 was Sunday our landlord placed all kinds of objections 

 in the way of my scheme ; first the difficulty of 

 finding his cattle, and latterly of discovering a driver 

 in fact, it was a job "he did na like. Na, na, 

 man; stop where you are." But seeing that I was 

 resolved not to be counselled, he began to think what 

 the job was worth, and presently asked ten pounds, paid 

 down. The exorbitance of the demand took away my 

 breath ; so I left this good, good man, lamenting he 

 hadn't asked less. 



In went my cattle ; Jim took the whip and Umganey 

 foreloped. The road was down-hill; and, to my own 

 surprise, the team walked off with the load in fine style. 

 We had thus favourably progressed about a mile, when 

 Mr. Currie followed us up, informed us that some stiff 

 hills were in front, and that he feared we could not get 

 over them ; therefore, for a consideration of five pounds, 

 he would on this occasion break his rule, and send his 

 team and driver to help us. Very soon three pair of 

 worthless old cattle, accompanied by a saucy driver, 

 joined us. All were put to the wagon, and again we 

 moved forward. 



The tide spoken of in the affairs of man had evi- 

 dently come ; my men looked pleased, the horses felt 

 willing, and the pack of dogs scattered out and hunted 

 on both sides of the road. This was encouraging ; for 

 it was the only respite we had from worry and annoy- 

 ance. Now, for the first time, it looked as if success 

 were not to be entirely refused us. 



