44 
Leydenburg ; but tbis was sometbing, and afterwards we 
persuaded tbe owner to sell one of tbe oxen. A very steep 
bill to ascend after leaving tbe valley, and, to our disgust, 
tbe Dutcbman's span wbieb bad nearly run away witb tbe 
wagon along tbe bottom, and was quite fresb, actually 
gave in, and, after all, our tired bullocks bad to take botb 
wagons up tbe bill. Didn't we wback tbe fat bullocks of 
tbe Boer ! but it was no use. We arrived at tbe top after 
dark, and tbere was no water wbere it was expected we 
sbould find it; but ^^Slangey" started off to searcb, and 
after some time tbe old fellow reappeared witb bis pails 
full, and was rewarded witb a basin of rum for bis energy. 
Tbe oxen bad to go witbout altogetber. Looking forward 
to reacbing Leydenburg to-morrow, feeling as if we were 
really at last approacbing tbe end of our journey in tbe 
wagons. 
June \btli. Sunday. We were almost obliged to trek 
on, on account of tbe tired oxen, and, besides, it was too 
tantalizing to be so near Leydenburg and remain idle, so 
on we went ; but it was a day of trouble and misbap. 
First of all, in tbe morning, all our oxen bad disappeared, 
probably searcbing for water, and tbis detained us some 
bours. Next, in our second trek, tbe Dutcbman's oxen 
stuck fast in a mud bole because tbey wouldn't pull, and 
wbile taking tbem out to put ours in, one got away, and 
gave me a long gallop before I could bead bim, and tben 
be would not go back to tbe wagons till tbe rest of tbe 
span were brougbt up to keep bim company. Next, tbe 
asbes of my pipe set tbe grass on fire, and we bad a 
tremendous frigbt, and could only put it out after most 
severe exertions, as it was very bigb and dry. At last we 
inspanned again, and just before dusk reacbed a level bit 
of ground outside Leydenburg, wbere we camped for tbe 
nigbt on tbe banks of a small river, tbe name of wbicb I 
bave forgotten. Went to bed feeling we sbould bave a 
