MORRIS SERIOUSLY ILL. 95 



without locking the wheels. We passed through the 

 outskirts of the village, a long road with a few houses 

 on one side, and the barrack of the Natal Mounted 

 Police Force on the other, till we arrived at what looked 

 like a village -green, where we outspanned in front of 

 a place of business kept by a Scotch gentleman, whom 

 we found the essence of hospitality. Soon after un- 

 yoking, the chief officer of the Mounted Police called 

 upon us, and insisted on our becoming his guests ; but 

 we had to decline, being already engaged. 



That evening a serious accident happened : the 

 chestnut horse cast himself and put his hip out of 

 joint. Every effort was made to replace it, but in 

 vain. The smaller pony, that Holly had thrown 

 down, day by day became more useless; so we deter- 

 mined to leave both behind : thus out of our stud but 

 one remained. To add to other troubles Morris is 

 worse ; and although I wish to persuade him to remain 

 here for a few days, and let me treck on towards the 

 Drackenberg, he will not listen to it. 



We spent a very pleasant evening at Mr. Boss's 

 house ; he invited the chief of police to join us : we sat 

 late, and our host confided to us that, having made 

 sufficient for all his wants, he intended soon to retire 

 from business, and pass the remainder of his days at 

 home. May he enjoy that rest and peace which the 

 hospitable and honourable are ever entitled to ! is my 

 wish. 



Morris still unwell. On" our next day's march we 

 bathed ; I fear it was imprudent on his part, for at our 

 outspanning-place I found him very flushed and feverish, 

 and his throat severely ulcerated. He must either go 

 back to our last halting-place to recruit, or I will order 



