162 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



cannot kick you in these positions, but they will jump 

 on you and trample all over you. While this operation 

 is going on you. may give vent to your feelings and 

 satisfy your self-esteem by bestowing upon them a few 

 reminders that two can play the same game. 



By the time the Boers had passed we were again 

 ready for the road that is, with care and judicious 

 driving we might reach the river without further 

 casualties. We made the effort, and succeeded. On 

 the Vaal river we found ten or twelve wagons out- 

 spanned, the owners of which showed anything but 

 friendly feeling towards us. 



The Vaal river here is about the width of the Thames 

 at Hampton Court, very sluggish, with rock and clay 

 margin. The reach where the ferry was extended miles 

 downwards and about two hundred yards upwards ; here 

 it was entered by a grand rapid. The banks were 

 clothed with trees, principally mimosas, while on the 

 opposite shore were two houses, one belonging to the 

 former ferryman, the other to his successor. 



Before we could do anything a new dissel-boom had 

 to be made, so I sent William into the woods to procure 

 a suitable stick. After a long delay he returned with one, 

 and here his labours ceased, for he had no more idea of 

 hewing it down or fitting it than the man in the moon. 

 I appealed to Hendrick and Pater, but to no purpose ; 

 they knew no more than William, so there was nothing 

 for it but to do it myself. I certainly did not like the 

 job, for a dissel-boom is a weighty thing to handle, and all 

 Cape woods suitable for such a purpose are very heavy, 

 and, worse than all, the sun was burning hot, and no 

 shelter was to be obtained to work under. 



At this juncture I could not expect assistance from 



