224 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



Thus the scene lasted for half an hour, when the 

 verdict was delivered to the effect that I was not a 

 trader, simply a gentleman travelling for pleasure, so 

 they had no right to exact the fee they demanded. 



My cattle were again out of the yoke and up to 

 their knees in pasture ; the pets were scattered around 

 enjoying themselves ; the sheriff sat upon a stool quench- 

 ing his thirst with brandy pawnee, while I was engaged 

 sewing two buttons on my waistcoat that had deserted 

 from their posts during the late engagement. Next 

 morning we commenced the ascent of the hills at the 

 back of Zeerust ; it was a long and fatiguing pull, still 

 it was accomplished before noon. 



The view from their summit is truly beautiful, the 

 landscape being charmingly diversified with hill, wood, 

 and water, while the white houses of Jacobsdal and 

 Zeerust peeped out of their dark-green luxuriant orchards 

 such a scene as one sees among the Surrey hills, only 

 the habitations of man were far less numerous here, and 

 the verdure more intensely brilliant. Charming views can 

 be seen in Africa as well as in other parts of the world. 



My driver uses his whip too much, and those who 

 know this goad are well aware what a weapon of torture 

 it can be made. I gently remonstrated, but mutiny and 

 desertion glared in the eyes of the delinquent, therefore 

 I said no more ; my time had not yet come, thus the 

 wretch plied his lash with additional vehemence. 



That evening we made a long treck, and did not out- 

 span till after dark ; fires were lighted, although no wild 

 beasts were apprehended, still, in a day or two they will 

 be necessary, and there is nothing like commencing 

 early. 



Next day we toiled over a road rough in portions 



