248 



A Breath from the Veldt 



But as this was the farthest known pan in this Thirstland, it was the only base 

 we could possibly work from in searching for water where rhinoceri might 

 perchance be drinking. 



And now came a chief named N'Dale from the mountains about fifteen miles 

 to the north, accompanied by about twenty of his men, all well armed with 

 assegais, etc. He himself was chastely attired in a billy-cock hat and a coat 

 that had seen better days, whilst he carried in his hand several assegais, and an 

 old Dutch elephant gun, which had evidently been unused for many years. But 



HE STANDS AT LAST 



not all these attractions could overcome the repugnance one felt on looking into 

 his face, where evil and cunning were stamped on every feature. He urged me 

 strongly to come on to his village, saying he would give me bearers over the 

 mountains to the Lundi, where the game was swarming ; and in a weak 

 moment I listened to his advice — only to find him as big a rascal as he looked. 

 When once within his territory, he said I must pay for the right to hunt ; but 

 that I refused to do till I had seen some game. With him was a nice-looking, 

 pleasant-faced boy named Clas, with some experience as a hunter, and he agreed 

 to stay with me for a month, and show me all the pans and spots in the district 

 where the game was. 



