1812. 
KAABI'S WIFE. 
25 
to discover the right direction, and unfortunately took that which 
carried them farther from it; for, in the morning, it was found close 
at hand on the opposite side. 
In this wet and cheerless state, and to console them for the dis- 
appointment, the Hottentots begged that the remainder of the brandy 
might now be distributed; and, heedless of the prospect of being- 
more in want of it than at present, seemed glad at any excuse for 
asking for it. 
We spread our skins and bedding upon the wet ground ; and, if 
Wantrouw felt the advantage of being my favorite, I now reaped the 
benefit of being his ; for he slept so close to my feet that I passed 
the night without the least inconvenience from cold, although my 
blankets were covered with a heavy dew. 
Under my saddle, which at night was always used as a pillow, I 
found in the morning that two lizm^ds, induced also by the warmth, 
had taken their lodging. Harmless as I judged them to be, and little 
as these creatures excited any apprehension, they could not but re- 
mind me that I was now exposed to the risk of sometimes having 
more dangerous bedfellows — snakes and scorpions. 
2nd. At sunrise we were joined by Kaabi and his companions. 
This man seemed to be about the age of forty ; sedate, and rather 
reserved in his manners : but his loife could not have been more than 
fifteen, and among Bushwomen might certainly pass as pretty. Her 
height was less than five feet, and her figure proportionally deli- 
cate. Her face was plump and oval ; and, owing to her youth, had 
not yet begun to exhibit that peculiar Hottentot feature ; the narrow 
pointed chin. Her eyes were remarkable for being bright and open ; 
a beauty which is never retained beyond the days of youth; as con- 
stant exposure to the winds, and the glare of light in a dry open 
country, soon induce the habit of always keeping their eyelids half- 
closed. She wore a leathern cap ornamented with beads, in the 
manner represented by the engraving at the head of this chapter*, 
* The figures there, of fwo young women of the Cisgariepine tribe of Bushmen, are 
intended for giving a general idea of their dress and appearance. 
VOL. II. E The 
