CHAPTER I. 
JOURNEY FROM KLAARWATER TO KAABl's KRAAL. 
The sun had scarcely risen above the horizon, when already we had 
begun to prepare for departure. Some further arrangements, toge- 
ther with packing our baggage upon the oxen, yoking the team to 
the waggon, and taking leave, each one of his particular friends, 
detained us still four hours longer at Klaarwater, notwithstanding 
the eagerness which the whole party evinced to commence the 
journey. For my own part, taught by past experience how soon 
disappointments and unforeseen difficulties might overtake me 
at this unpropitious place, I dreaded every moment's delay ; and 
therefore hurried my Hottentots away, taking the lead myself, and 
ordering the ox-riders to follow immediately. They were assembled 
before the hut of the captain, who, with his companions and par- 
tisans, continued to express their disapprobation of my plans, and 
to consider the undertaking as an ill-advised and perilous attempt, 
VOL. II. B 
