6 DAYS AND NIGHTS BY THE DESERT. 



focus lit upon some animals I could not exactly 

 make out. I called up Totty to my assistance, and 

 requested information. His bleary eyes, which 

 always had a smoke-dried colour about them, and, 

 therefore, did not look as if they were of much use, 

 immediately informed me that they were bosch-vaarkes 

 (bush pigs). This I could scarcely believe, for they 

 looked to me almost as large as buffaloes ; but these 

 they could not be, so I accepted my attendant's 

 assertion ; more especially did I do so without cavil, 

 for there was at the time a very perceptible mirage 

 on the horizon. 



A further view of the ground where the game 

 was gave me the impression that it was excellent 

 galloping, so I armed myself with a hog-spear, 

 determined, if possible, to prove what can be done 

 in this part of the world in pig-sticking. 



We mustered quite a numerous band, for some 

 Bakalihari had joined us. The anticipated sport 

 put all in good temper, so no end of chaff was being 

 indulged in, no small amount of which was aimed i 

 at me, and the weapon with which I was furnished. 

 The Hottentot felt its edge, and grinned, and, I sup- 

 pose, winked at his companions, for all tittered ; but 

 when the Zulu remarked, it was what they killed 

 sea-cows and elephants with in his country, the 

 titter became a most unmistakable laugh. 



Fearing that the dogs might get injured in hunt- 

 ing our intended game, I ordered all to be tied u p ; 



