128 . MATABELE LAND. 
Amongst the waggons stationed at John Lee's 
during Frank Oates's stay there was that of Smith, 
the Dutchman, whom he had formerly met on his 
way up country, near the Impakwe River. Smith 
was now starting on a hunting trip towards the 
Tati, and the two again agreed to travel together. 
Before leaving Frank Oates engaged John Lee's 
brother, Karl, to accompany him as driver to Bamang- 
wato. 
The country was still heavy, though somewhat 
improved by the last few days of comparatively dry 
weather. A few miles before reaching the Inkwesi, 
the road lay through bush veldt and corn-fields, with 
kopjes interspersed at intervals. " The corn-fields 
are close to the road," writes Frank Oates, " and a 
large fence renders the road so narrow that it is a 
difficult matter to drive a waggon. Some of my 
loose oxen crossed a corn-field, and of course a row 
was made. The Hottentot, Klaas, from Lee's, had 
to give a coat, and some lead and powder, because 
when he stuck his oxen trampled the corn whilst in 
the yoke, the road being altogether hemmed in by 
the corn-fields. Karl says he will get the extor- 
tionate payment refunded when John Lee knows. 
This is the second crop of Indian corn, the former 
one having been destroyed by locusts. We passed 
the Hottentot during this trek ; he had had to kill 
one of his best oxen, his driver having broken the 
ox's leg by throwing a stone. Here we come," con- 
tinues the writer, " to the last kraal, and outspan, 
about two miles from the Inkwesi, amongst the 
