466 
ELEPHANT HUNTERS. 
24; July, 
six waggons waiting for him on the banks of Makkwarin, at a spot 
much farther westward than that at which I had crossed it. His 
object in coming to Litakun, was to barter for ivory and cattle. During 
the expedition they had shot thirty-nine full-grown elephants, be- 
sides a number of young ones ; and would have continued their 
hunting longer, had not all their gunpowder and ball been expended. 
Berends's waggon was stationed in Serrakutu's mootsi, and 
Hendrik's in that of another chieftain who was his maat (partner, 
or agent), a term which will be explained hereafter. 
These men seemed pleased at falling in with me in this distant 
part of Africa ; and on both sides, our meeting was a very unex- 
pected circumstance. To me it was far from disagreeable, notwith- 
standing my recollection of what we had experienced at Klaar- 
water, and the just cause which I had for hoping that after I lost 
sight of Cupido Kok at Kosi Fountain, I should never have to 
encounter any of that people again. 
This hunting party had long consumed all the provisions and 
stores which they had laid in for the whole journey : they had been 
for some time living only on what they procured with their muskets ; 
and latterly, on the cattle wliich they had driven with them. Berends 
was rejoiced when I offered him three quarters of a pound of gun- 
powder for a peck of salt, which he said he had in the waggons at the 
Makkwarin, and which I engaged to send for. They expressed their 
warmest gratitude when I presented to them some brandy, tobacco, 
and a small quantity of tea leaves, the three greatest luxuries, 
besides meat, which can be given to a Hottentot. 
Berends said that all his people were heartily desirous of reach- 
ing home, from which they had been absent so great a length of 
time, two months ; and began now to be really tired of hunting. As 
for himself, he was less anxious on that account, as he had taken 
with him the principal part of his family, and had been accompanied 
on this toilsome expedition by his wife. But my surprise at a female 
being able to endure the fatigues of so rough a journey, gradually 
ceased as I became more acquainted with the Hottentot character j 
and I learnt at last to consider a Hottentot woman as fully equal to 
