BOLINLILA'S KRAAL. 67 



verdure like that of a young corn-field, where the 

 grass had been burnt. The trees here were not 

 close, and some were a good size, with young foliage 

 of a vivid green. Passing next between two kopjes 

 we descended into a fine, bushy, undulating tract, 

 misty-looking in the distance under a lowering sky. 

 Outspanned at 3.40 p.m. at the Cokhi River and 

 had tea. Here they told me there was a kraal close 

 by, presided over by Lobengula's brother, Bolinlila ; 

 and as some of the oxen were tired, I sent over to 

 see if I could leave them here. The reply being 

 favourable and a present requested, I sent the oxen — 

 five in number — with a small strip of coloured calico. 



" The boy sent me by the king, who was running 

 about so vigorously this morning, now showed me a 

 small scratch on his heel and asked to be doctored. 

 I put on some glycerine ; but believe it was a ruse, 

 as he afterwards got on the sacks at the back of the 

 waggon and rode, instead of walking. The other 

 man who was sent me by the king is the thinnest 

 mortal I think I ever saw, his legs literally like those 

 ot spiders. It was dreadfully cold, and I gave all 

 the poor wretches some hot tea. Towards evening 

 we advanced again four miles farther. It was like a 

 cold trek on the high veldt — front sail drawn down, 

 candle lighted, myself in the blankets. Outspanned 

 at 7.40 p.m. Windy and rainy night. 



" September 27th. — Dark windy morning ; Scotch 

 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 Bern- 



