20 THE MONKEYFOLK OF SOUTH AFRICA 



in a krantz I examined myself and found a big tear in my 

 thigh, a small hole in my side, and another in my shoulder, 

 from which blood trickled. I was sick and sore for two 

 weeks or more, but I got quite well again. 



A GREAT DISASTER 



The farmers whose crops we pilfered began to get 

 very angry, and laid plans. We had all retired to rest one 

 evening as usual, in the crevices and crannies of a krantz, 

 and slept soundly, as we always do unless disturbed. Just 

 when day was breaking, our sentry sounded the danger 

 signal. We started up in alarm. There, right opposite 

 to us on a low hill, were several men with guns and dogs. 

 They were all spread out. Glancing farther along, others 

 were to be seen, and it was clear to us we were being sur- 

 rounded. We clambered up the rocks, thinking the rear 

 was clear, when, like a peal of thunder, a volley was poured 

 into us. Some of our people ran back, but were shot 

 down by the men in front, or at the sides. I, with others, 

 dashed bUndly and madly on, colliding with a Dutchman 

 and tumbUng him headlong amongst the rocks. I shall 

 never forget that morning. The reports of the guns, the 

 barking of the dogs, the chattering and hoch-hoch-hoching 

 barks of our people, I shall never forget. 



Next day the survivors collected together. Our tribe 

 numbered ninety-five men, women, and children. Now 

 but thirty-six of us remained. I lost all my children, as 

 well as my father and mother. More than a dozen of our 

 people afterwards died of wounds. 



After this dreadful experience we learned to be more 

 careful, but somehow the farmer men are always springing 

 new surprises upon us. 



