PPP?0TS REBELLIOUS. 195 



reled rifle, upon which my followers for the moment 

 relinquished their intention of inspanning, and, retiring 

 to the shelter of a neighboring bush, they shortly fell 

 asleep. I kept sentry over the wagons during the re- 

 mainder of the night, with my rifle in my hand and a 

 hatchet by my side. At dawn of day on the following 

 morning I roused my ruffians, and ordered them to in- 

 span, which orders they mechanically obeyed, swear- 

 ing, however, that this was the last time they would 

 inspan my oxen. 



Having proceeded about ten miles, we arrived at 

 Koning: this was a vley of fine spring water, about 

 six hundred yards in length, densely covered with lofty 

 reeds from twelve to fifteen feet high. This place is 

 said never to be without lions. Here was spoor of 

 zebras and hartebeests. In the afternoon L observed 

 that my men were again in liquor. I had at first im- 

 agined that the Giriquas had supplied them with brandy ; 

 but, upon examining my liquor-case, I discovered that 

 one had been broken into, and two bottles of brandy 

 stolen. This was a second night of anxiety and trouble. 

 I kept watch over my goods and cattle, with my rifle 

 in my hand, till morning. The night was piercingly 

 cold, and in the morning the ground was white with 

 hoar-frost, and a thick coating of ice covered the pools 

 of water. At mid-day on the 11th we left Koning, and 

 continued our march to Kuruman, halting at sundown 

 without water. On our left our view was bounded by 

 the Kamhanni Mountains, an extensive rocky chain. 

 In every other direction a vast endless plain extended 

 as far as the eye could strain. The plains were cover- 

 ed with rank yellow grass, interspersed with clumps of 

 gray-leaved bushes. Shortly before outspanning we 

 started three leopards that were consuming a duiker. 



