CARNARIA. CARNIVORA. 83 



fication of returning to the post with but one skin, 

 to-morrow being the last day we could remain on 

 the ground, it struck us to try, as a last expedient, 

 sending out three of the mounted Hottentots before 

 dawn, for the chance of seeing Lions, if there were 

 any in the country ; and if they did, to follow them 

 to their lair, and, while two remained in observation, 

 to despatch the third with the news to us ; and a 

 subscription was forthwith entered into, to reward 

 them if successful. Schumacker, a dark-visaged 

 Bastaard, of well-known nerve, and eagle-eye, was 

 called into council; and after a little hesitation at 

 first, agreed to go, and we told him to choose his 

 companions : he pitched on two, both equally well 

 acquainted with the country, and some hours after, 

 they departed before day -light. 



" In the morning, after we had bathed and break- 

 fasted, we shot at empty bottles, and the bright 

 sunny day wore on ; the guns were duly cleaned 

 and laid by loaded, and we looked at our watches 

 and began to despair, when, about twelve o'clock, 

 a Hottentot was seen slowly approaching on a tired 

 horse. Captain A. ran down to meet him, and 

 we saw him hold a brief and earnest converse, and 

 then hold up both hands as a signal. It was quite 

 enough ; servants were loudly summoned, horses 

 saddled, and guns brought forth ; and then the guide, 

 having got a fresh horse, we started in high glee; 

 the man informing us, as we went along, how they 

 had descried a leuwe and weife in the morning ; 

 how they had approached and followed them as they 



