326 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



On the eastern side of the vley is the camping or 

 outspanning ground ; beside it stands a very large tree 

 of the same species as the boomslang on the Limpopo. 

 Here, underneath its shade, I took my seat, awaiting 

 anxiously the arrival of what Umganey was preparing 

 for dinner, when several wild ducks swept past, as if 

 desirous of alighting. I consequently got my gun, and 

 waited for a shot. Soon the opportunity offered, and I 

 winged a bird, which, fluttering, fell among the tall 

 reeds. Certainly the light was failing, but I searched 

 so carefully that I thought I ought to find it. I called 

 some of the dogs to assist me, but they refused to come. 

 At length in disgust I gave the matter up. 



"Bass, dinner, 3 ' had just sounded in my ears, when 

 the distant crack of a whip was heard. "Another 

 wagon, Bass, soon here/ 7 continued Umganey ; and, true 

 enough, another wagon came up. 



Its owner, a German, came and greeted me. His 

 name was Greet, and he was on his way to Biilwio, in 

 Matabele Land. There is little standing on ceremony 

 in this country, so he consented to become my guest. 

 Dinner, therefore, was deferred till his cattle and horses 

 were made snug for the night. 



Soon the bullocks drank, and afterwards were being 

 mobbed previously to tying up, their owner and myself 

 assisting, when the whole lot stampeded, knocked me 

 down, and very nearly did the same to my companion. 

 As soon as I could pick myself up I ran for my gun, for 

 I knew that tired cattle would not act so unless there 

 was some wild animal in their vicinity; but I saw 

 nothing. After a great deal of trouble the scared 

 beasts were secured and tied to their yokes, and we 

 passed a quiet and agreeable night. 



