APPENDIX. 243 
span place, however, not a drop of water was to be found! 
Mr. G. then insisted on us going with him as far as the 
upper part of the Seechagholie, where we would be sure to 
find water, but I could not think of going so far out of our 
way. A small sheep was hastily killed for my party, and 
one for the Griquas, a part of which we grilled without salt 
as that would only increase our thirst. Of the little drop of 
water that still remained in his keg, Mr. G. made us a cup 
of coffee, so that we had a breakfast as sumptuous as it was 
unexpected. He then gave us some important directions 
regarding the road to Mateto, without which we never should 
have found our way thither. 
As Gibson’s oxen had now travelled twenty-eight hours 
without water, and as no time was to be lost by either 
party, we each prepared for resuming our journey. I had 
the mutton put into the skin of the sheep, and then fastened 
on one of the horses, as I did not intend riding to day, 
but spare the poor animals for the journey across the 
desert which yet lay between us and Mateto. 
About nine o'clock in the morning we parted*, and 
although the night had been cold and chilly, which I felt 
the more as being without a jacket, the sun began already 
to be insufferably hot. Barends and Klaas rode on in 
advance to the Great Chue, which is the name of the foun- 
tain where we would first find water, as they could not 
stand against the thirst any longer. Jan Saver, and myself, 
were the foremost of our pedestrian band, and my spirits 
were so elated at our good fortune in having met with 
Gibson, and getting such timely refreshments, that I could 
not resist the impulse of beguiling some heavy hours in cross- 
* Mr. Gibson was kind enough to offer us various other articles of 
refreshment, besides the mutton mentioned above, but which we had 
neither the means of cooking nor carrying with us. 
R 2 
