AN UNPLEASANT PROSPECT. 287 



I have not time to spare for such a fashionable com- 

 plaint, I will return to the velt near the tropic of 

 Capricorn, Africa. 



For two miles from the river the track was hard, 

 and therefore conducive to quick travelling, after that 

 we got into heavy sand, sufficient to hreak a bullock's 

 heart ; but my cattle were strong and well-rested, and 

 toiled manfully through, so that we reached our out- 

 spanning-place before the sun went down. Lions were 

 again about the wagon all night, so that I got no sleep, 

 and in the morning I did not feel very fit for travelling ; 

 but go we must, for, till we reach Soshong, the capital 

 of Bamanwatto, there are fifty miles before us, without 

 a drop of water. 



