INSOLENCE, LIKE VIRTUE, MEETS ITS REWARD. 387 



when we got close to it I discovered an entrance (called 

 Poort by the Boers) or passage. Having threaded this 

 for more than a mile, a most beautiful level plain of 

 about a thousand acres was entered, shut in on every 

 side by hills. This valley -like plain was covered with 

 baobab and meruley trees, while spoor of nearly all 

 descriptions of game proclaimed it a favourite resort. 

 Here let us rest, and we outspanned. 



The driver and a big Kaffir whom I called William 

 came to me, Umganey to the best of his ability acted as 

 interpreter. Their proposal was that they thought 

 they could find water enough for the mare and cattle a 

 little distance off if I would permit them to take them. 

 I readily gave my consent. After breakfast I took my 

 rifle and wandered off to see as much as possible of the 

 beauty 'of the place. About noon I returned. Two 

 hours passed and there was no sign of the cattle 

 returning, so I went in search of them. They were soon 

 found, but it was evident from their hollow flanks 

 that they had not had a drop of water. I drove them 

 up so as to be ready to yoke when the absent ones 

 returned. This they did soon after. To my surprise I 

 found the mare Euby the animal I so much loved 

 who never would have borne the name she did but for 

 her numerous good qualities, reminding me of her whom 

 to know was to love was severely cut about the neck, 

 and contused nearly all over the head. 



The driver was insolent, the foreloper jeered me. I 

 could stand it no longer my patience was worn out ; 

 so, like a bird of prey, I rushed upon them. A yoke- 

 key was in my hand ; I struck, meaning to hurt, and in 

 an instant both lay stunned at my feet. When they 

 recovered, along with the Kaffir William, they walked 

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