128 MATABELE LAND. 



Amongst the waggons stationed at John Lee's 

 during Frank Oates's stay there was that of Smit, 

 the Dutchman, whom he had formerly met on his 

 way up country, near the Impakwe River. Smit 

 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 Inkwisi, 

 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 Inkwisi amongst the 



