JOHN FAYUNE. 241 



surveyor for the infant republic of Transvaal. He was 

 a very successful sportsman, and as proof of his prowess 

 presented me with half of a noble roy-buck (red) which 

 he had shot in the morning. 



Here I received much courtesy and kindness, John 

 Fayune, one of the Boers present, speaking English 

 fluently. I had several times heard of this gentleman be- 

 fore, and from the character he had received, had no desire 

 to make his acquaintance, for he. was an acknowledged 

 leader of the anti-English party, and reputed to be so 

 bitter against my nationality, that he could scarcely be 

 civil to them. He had distinguished himself in the 

 numerous Kaffir wars, was an experienced and very 

 successful elephant-hunter, had a large connection of 

 relatives and friends, and was so popular with the 

 exclusive party that it was whispered that he probably 

 would be the next President. 



Mr. Fayune is of French extraction, and still retains 

 a great deal of the vivacity of his ancestors' race, stands 

 about five feet eight, is slight and well-built, getting 

 grey, and looks about fifty-five. Much to my surprise, 

 we soon became excellent friends, and he volunteered 

 me valuable information on routes, watering-places, and 

 hunting-grounds. 



Here I received an invitation to dinner, which I 

 accepted; the piece de resistance seemed to be stewed 

 quagga, a dish that, however much admired by Boers 

 and Kaffirs, I have not yet learned to like. 



There is a sweet flavour about the flesh that at 

 once causes me to feel squeamish ; but there were, 

 besides, antelope of different kinds, a fine joint of beef, 

 and vegetables, so there was no necessity of leaving the 

 board hungry. The people residing here seemed well- 

 Q 



