402 THE GREAT THIRST LAND. 



ones. Will their appearance be the same when, in a 

 year hence, if no casualty has happened to their owners, 

 they retrace their steps to civilisation ? It is doubtful 

 indeed more than doubtful. 



As the ground on the edge of the vley was all occu- 

 pied, my people had to take up an outside position, and, 

 in consequence, I gave strict orders for an unusually 

 large supply of firewood to be laid in ; with the far end 

 of the treck-tow made fast, and the oxen secured with 

 short reims to their yokes. 



The sun had not long been set when Mr. Curtin's man 

 came to borrow my chairs, and announce that dinner was 

 ready. We followed him over to his wagon, and just as 

 tbe gloaming was quickly fading away into darkness we 

 sat down to our meal, with a small clear fire between us, as 

 the evenings were getting cool. Our feed was excellent 

 it was a stew made out of kid, and thickened with rice 

 and onions. It was our only dish, truly, but our appetites 

 were not fastidious we were hungry, and could eat so 

 much of this homely fare, that we had no desire for 

 entree or dessert. 



A few bushes extended from the woods to within ten 

 or twelve yards of where I sat. To this my back was 

 turned ; while Mr. Curtin was seated on my left, Mr. 

 Catenby on the right. At length our meal was finished, 

 and the plates had been removed. Then the soother of 

 all our troubles, the consoler in all our difficulties the 

 pipe was produced, loaded, and brought into service. 

 Our tin beakers were again replenished, for I had ran- 

 sacked my supplies, that I might add something at least 

 better than water one mass of animalculse and filth 

 to the feast. 



Our tongues became loosened ; times like these, and 



