SOUTHERN AFRICA. 147 



CHAPTER XXI. 



MEETING WITH KALIPl's COMMANDO, AND AERIVAL AT 

 THE CASHAN MOUNTAINS. 



The morning- of tlie 1st November brought to light several 

 parties of Matabili warriors on the opposite side of the 

 river, escorting- larg-e droves of cattle towards Kapain. They 

 appeared purposely avoiding- us, but although we were 

 unable to hold any communication with them, we felt con- 

 vinced that they formed a part of KaHpi's commando. After 

 skirting- the deep sedg-y channel of the Simalakate several 

 miles, in quest of a ford, we arrived at a point where it 

 takes a sudden bend to the eastward, and even at this season, 

 falls with considerable violence over a stratum of granite, 

 which forms a roug-h, but complete pavement. Across 

 this stony drift we effected a passag-e, thoug-h not without 

 sundry violent concussions, that bid fair to dislocate the 

 joints of our heavy vehicles, and rendered necessary the 

 precaution of removing- the g'uns, and all brittle wares 

 during- the trajet. 



We unyoked for breakfast in an extensive mimosa gTove, 

 which rivalled in beauty all that we had hitherto seen. The 

 airy parasol-shaped foliage was intertwined above our heads 

 in such a manner as to be perfectly impervious to the sun's 

 rays, the constant and delicious shade it afforded having- 

 induced the gTOwth of a luxuriant carpet of grass, spang-led 

 with numerous g*audy flowers. AVhilst the oxen were revel- 

 ling- in these sweets, I strolled down the river with my 



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