48 OSTRICHES. 
the share he had taken in the transaction ; but from 
some unaccountable indifference on the part of the 
proper authorities, no means had been adopted for 
his apprehension, although, in the first instance, every 
requisite information had been supplied by Water- 
boer, at considerable trouble and expense, for which 
he had hitherto received neither remuneration nor 
thanks. 
The heat was so oppressive that about mid-day we 
halted on a plain, the grazing-place of some of the 
Bechuanas residing at Griqua ‘Town, and sought 
refuge from the sun’s burning rays under the shade 
of a few mimosas. During our progress in the after- 
noon, we saw several ostriches waving their white 
plumes as they scoured along the desert, and the Hot- 
tentot driver shot at one which he said he was sure 
he had wounded ; it appeared, however, to suffer no 
inconvenience from the ball, the only effect of which 
seemed to be that of accelerating its flight. 
Late in the evening we arrived on the banks of 
the river, and succeeded with some difficulty in 
getting our waggon down to the Bushman’s kraal 
from which I. had set out. The moon rose above 
the trees, and, as she gradually mounted the heavens, 
shed her mild beams over the delicate mimosa and 
willow trees by which we were surrounded ; whilst a 
gentle breeze slightly agitated the beautiful foliage of 
this sylvan retreat, and the majestic river, as it flowed 
rapidly past, reflected on its broad surface the 
