

THE PLACE OF HONOUR. 69 



attractive on that account. In front, about two 

 hours' treck distant, was a long range of low hills, 

 with those flat tops peculiarly characteristic of this 

 rt of the earth, while scattered around at various, 

 but generally considerable distances apart, stood 

 single or small groups of mimosa trees, which dis- 

 tribution ever gives a particularly park-like appear- 

 ance to the picture. A Cape waggon at such times 

 appears wonderfully attractive ; slowly, evenly, and 

 silently it glides on, the snow-white canvas tilt 

 resembling an iceberg in a becalmed green and 

 yellow sea. Now and again is heard the driver's 

 voice, shouting words of encouragement or reproof 

 to the long double string of toiling cattle, while the 

 powerful whip at frequent intervals produces its 

 rifle-like report, causing the echoes to emit answers 

 resembling a volley fired from numerous revolvers. 

 But the greatest attraction of all was the grand, 

 wondrous, and enthralling moon, now several hours 

 high, surrounded by a setting of the most trans^ 

 parent azure that imagination can conceive. Not a 

 cloud, nay, not a film of a cloud, was to be seen 

 whichever " airt " you gazed, so that to surmise a 

 change of weather would be the very last idea 

 that could possibly find place in the imagination of 

 the greatest pessimist. 



Putting on an extra pace, we soon passed our 

 belongings and took the lead. This is the place of 

 honour when not riding so, at least, it is considered 



