61 
name I don't know. The lid of our small mustard tin 
came off to-day on the Caffre's head, so we are now minus 
this condiment, which was one of the few extras we had. 
Dubois, not strong at the Lest of times, unfortunately has 
wrung his heel with new hoots, so we are not able to get 
over the ground as fast as we could wish. Caffres short 
of food again, in fact have not yet had what they call 
sufficient for twenty-four hours. We eat an enormous 
amount of meat ourselves, as it is our principal, in fact 
almost our sole food, for the flour is only produced about 
twice a week, and then in very small allowances. Our 
scouts had been some way up the river, but reported there 
was no good crossing, so we had to make the best of a 
ford close to the camp ; it was rather deep, but the ponies 
could just walk through if they kept in the right channel ; 
so E. mounted the biggest and I the other, and in we 
went. My pony lost its footing and took to swimming at 
once, so I was obliged to let go E.'s bridle, but La Mule 
had got hold of it on the other side and led the pony over 
safely. I didn't envy the bearers having to carry their 
loads, and one fellow dropped his — the rice bag — into the 
middle of the water, but it was quickly fished out and 
none the worse. Sara didn't like the look of it at all, 
and remained on the wrong side after we were all over ; 
but La Mule went back, and, after almost dragging her 
into the river, got her across with the water just up to her 
chin. We marched about nine miles and camped again. 
Hunted in the afternoon and shot a waterbuck. Our camp 
was high above the river in a pretty spot, and a nice place 
to spend Sunday. We were looking forward to our day's 
rest, and were never sorry when Sunday came round. I 
find it a great comfort always having the river to run down 
to for a bath, after coming in hot and tired, just before 
dinner. Shot a specimen of the ^^bellbird," and E. 
skinned it carefully. 
