THE CHIEF QUETO. 275 



the stations in a connected line along the coast, to 

 within one hundred and fifty miles of Natal. On 

 the 26th of the same month, they left Fako's kraal, 

 on the banks of the Umzimvoobo River, where mes- 

 sengers informed them that cattle had been sent 

 forward by Queto for their use, bringing a special in- 

 vitation to Mr. Farewell, with whom the Chief had 

 been acquainted at Natal, and promising him a 

 further supply for the remainder of the journey. 

 This was the more needful, as the whole of the 

 country through which they were now to pass, for a 

 distance of nearly four hundred miles, had been de- 

 populated by the forces of Chaka. They halted, 

 therefore, about sixteen miles from Queto's kraal, in 

 expectation of receiving the promised cattle ; but, as 

 there was no appearance of their arrival, and the 

 party were in want of food, Lieutenant Farewell, 

 accompanied by the elder Thackwray and Walker, 

 with Lynx, the Caffer interpreter from Wesleyville, 

 and a few Hottentots, proceeded on horseback to 

 the kraal, taking with them such presents as it 

 was thought would be highly acceptable to the Chief 

 and his people. Queto received them with apparent 

 cordiality, ordering some oxen to be slaughtered for 

 their entertainment ; but they had not been his 

 guests many hours before a material change was 

 observable in his deportment. 



It is generally supposed that he wished to prevent 

 their proceeding to Natal, from an apprehension that 



T 2 



