146 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



In a few minutes the abominable dog came back. 

 She would neither allow herself to be caught nor driven 

 home, so I took the smooth-bore from my Kaffir's 

 hands it was loaded with 'No. 5 shot and as she 

 skulked round at about eighty yards' distance, I deter- 

 mined to give her a reminder that when her company 

 was not required, she had better not tender it against 

 my will. I certainly did not mean to kill her, but I 

 wished to hurt her, so I fired ; she gave one bound in 

 the air, a spasmodic struggle, and all was over. For 

 what had happened I was sorry, but the brute brought 

 it on herself. With Morris I discussed the matter 

 afterwards, and the universal verdict was served her 

 right. 



How many buck were killed that morning I do not 

 remember, but my friend had been most successful. 

 However, it took our own Kaffirs, and many friends and 

 relations picked up. by the roadside for when there 

 was meat forthcoming there were always relations to be 

 found two days to consume it. The skins of spring- 

 buck are too delicate to be tanned, consequently are 

 thrown away. 



Morris indisposed again, showing feverish symptoms, 

 and a very rapid pulse. As there is game all round 

 about the wagons he wanted to go after it. I persuaded 

 him not to, but keep under the wagon-tent out of the 

 sun. I fear all I can say is of no use, for he will not 

 believe that he is half as bad as I represent. 



As soon as we outspanned I had the saddle put on 

 the Basuto pony, and, taking Bonte and Bob with me, 

 rode round a neighbouring hill to see what quantity of 

 game there was at the back of it. Being attracted by 

 the beauty of a new orchid, I dismounted to examine it, 



