338 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



whom I did not choose to have at mine, as they smelt 

 so abominably strong. But all I could say or do would 

 not induce them to attend to my instructions. Fowl 

 spoke English sufficiently to thoroughly comprehend 

 what I required to be done. Moreover, Mr. Mackenzie 

 had explained to all the delinquents, before they left 

 Bamanwatto, that the three fires were to be lighted 

 nightly, no matter where we were, in fact, that it was a 

 duty never on any pretence whatever to be neglected. 



Naturally I became angry at my driver's dis- 

 obedience, and let him know that when he got back to 

 Bamanwatto that I would bring him and the guide 

 before the king. 



Still all was of no avail ; so there were only two fires 

 going, thus leaving the right side of the wagon entirely 

 unprotected. At length I thought I would force the 

 mutinous scoundrels away from mine, and thus compel 

 them to light one for themselves ; but, instead of doing 

 this, they arose en masse, led by the driver, guide, and 

 for eloper, and walked off into the velt. I knew I was 

 in a most disagreeable position, but powerless to do 

 anything ; so Umganey and I did the best we could all 

 night to keep the fires up, and to obtain wood we had 

 frequently to go a quarter of a mile into the open. 

 It was one of the most tedious nights I ever spent, 

 and seemed to be interminable. At length the day broke, 

 and I was truly thankful that when it did so I had not 

 to record a loss. 



My attention has not been so much directed to the 

 bullocks as formerly ; for, as they are especially under 

 the driver's care, and I am commencing thoroughly to 

 dislike him, I keep away from his charges. But this 

 morning I had to assist in untying them. Dear old 



