A DILEMMA. 183 



culty in getting the oxen to draw the waggon up the 

 opposite bank. Owing to the saturated state of the 

 soil, the wheels sank deeper into the mud at every 

 step ; we were therefore under the necessity of par- 

 tially unloading the waggon as it stood in the river, 

 nor was it until after several hours had been spent 

 in cutting down trees and bushes to form a firm 

 plane for the wheels, that our oxen were enabled to 

 accomplish the ascent. To our extreme annoyance, 

 through some mismanagement of the driver in turn- 

 ing too short, the ponderous vehicle was upset after 

 all, and went over with a terrible crash. We were 

 apprehensive that this misfortune would occasion 

 much delay; and having only three servants with 

 us, two Hottentots and a Malay, our united efforts 

 were insufficient to raise the clumsy machine. While 

 pondering what course to pursue in this dilemma, 

 there advanced from amidst the bushes a sturdy- 

 looking Caffer, whom we immediately hailed, and 

 showing him what had occurred, signified that he 

 should be well remunerated if he would render his 

 assistance in setting the waggon on its wheels. For 

 some time he continued staring at the various ar- 

 ticles that now lay scattered on the ground in great 

 confusion. Spring-boks, gnus, vultures, and various 

 others specimens which I had been collecting on my 

 journey, seemed to excite his amazement, though 

 his gaze was finally attracted to a large roll of to- 

 bacco most temptingly conspicuous amid the miscel- 



