THE TRAVELLER'S DEATH. 263 
begging him to return at once, as a sudden change 
appeared to be taking place. This Dr. Bradshaw 
did — but only in time to find his companion sinking. 
Frank Oates tried to speak, but in so low a whisper 
that the other unhappily failed to catch his meaning, 
and a few minutes afterwards — about a quarter of an 
hour before sunset — the brave spirit sank peacefully 
to rest. 
At this point in the journey it so happened that 
the ground was very hard and stony, and, even had 
it been otherwise, there was no spade or other im- 
plement at either of the waggons with which a grave 
could have been made ; so, hearing that Piet Jacobs, 
the Dutchman, was near at hand, having been at a 
neighbouring kraal that morning buying corn, Dr. 
Bradshaw sent to him for assistance. Several others 
of the party were by this time ill with fever, and the 
man who took this message — John Mackenna — was 
so reduced that he was scarcely able to sit the horse 
he rode upon. 
Jacobs, in reply, sent back word for the others 
to come on further, where the ground was less 
stony, and that he would meantime find a place 
suitable for the grave. With this suggestion Dr. 
Bradshaw willingly complied, and, travelling in the 
night, met Jacobs early the following morning about 
an hour's journey at the other side of the kraal. 
Here the Dutchman, who was familiar with the 
country, had by this time found a spot well suited for 
the purpose. This was a disused game-trap, some 
eight feet in depth, at no great distance from the 
