68 MATABELE LAND. 
mist. Hendrik woke me soon after six, to say 
they were inspanned. We made two treks — about 
twelve miles in all — and stopped about 3 p.m. at 
the Bembesi River, where some boys herding cattle 
brought us sour milk curdled for sale, which was 
very good. During the morning we passed some 
very striking-looking trees, leafless, but covered with 
large clusters of bright scarlet flowers on straight, 
brittle, thorny stalks. At a distance they looked 
like naked trees covered with scarlet berries, such 
as one sees in winter at home. Before night we 
went on four miles further, and stopped one trek 
they say from our destination." 
At ten o'clock the following morning the Inquin- 
quesi, a larger river than the Bembesi, with plenty 
of water In it and a sandy bed, was crossed, and a 
halt made upon its banks. Here was Inchlangin, 
the kraal where the traders were, Inyati itself being 
a short way off. Thither a messenger was at once 
despatched to ascertain what success the king's 
man, who had gone on in advance, had had in 
obtaining bearers. Soon afterwards this man pre- 
sented himself at the waggon, saying that the boys 
required for the journey would be forthcoming the 
following morning. When the day arrived, how- 
ever, they were not brought In sufficient numbers 
to be of any service, and the start had to be post- 
poned a day or two longer, pending the results of 
further efforts. The following is the day's entry 
in the Journal : — 
'' September 2C)tJi. — Fine warm day; heavy rain 
