A F R I C A. 179 
of rock along with them. I was fenfible that, 
unlefs I expofed myfelf to the greateft dangers, 
it would be Impradicable to crofs them. On the 
' . other hand my oxen, haraffed and chilled with 
cold, had deferted my camp ; nor did I know 
how or which way to fend after them to catch 
them. My fituation was far from being com- 
fortable ; and I paffed many moments in great 
deje£lion. My poor Hottentots, fatigued and 
fick, began already to marmur. We had no 
more provifions, and no more game : what we 
killed was fcarcely fufScienl for our fubfiftence • 
becaufe, confined by the torrent, which in- 
creafed more and more every day, vv^e had not 
even the refource of our neighbours to obtain 
afliftance. How affliftlng our condition with 
fuch preparation ! One maght have faid that 
an univerfal deluge was about to inundate 
Africa. I however kept part of my apprehen- 
fions to myfelf ; whilPc I beheld my fad compa- 
nions caft their reftlefs looks towards me, and 
atteft by their filence what fears they enter- 
tained for themfelves. Never did a profpedt 
appear under more gloomy colours : our 
charming walks, laid waile by the waters, 
were in an inftant ravaged ; and thofe delight- 
N 2 ful 
