^^0 TRAVELS IN 
' near the river, ^t the time of our croffing it, 
and had doubtlefs been determined to fly to 
the plain by the noife of my caravan. I went 
in purfuit of him with one of my hunters and 
fome dogs, and we followed him the greater 
pari of the day ; but th^ approach of night, and 
the fear of lofing our way, as it was at laft fo 
dark that I could no longer diftinguifh the 
tracks of the wheels of my carriages, compelled 
ine to return to my camp. 
Swanepcel, to fupply me with a beacon by 
•which to diredl my courfe, had caufed the fires 
to be lighted fooner than ufual. I have al- 
ready faid that it was cuftomary for us to 
kindle feveral every evening ; they ferved both 
to fecure us againft the cold during the night, 
and to frighten away hurtful and dangerous 
animals ; but on this occafion they attracted a 
particular fpecies, from which it was impoffible 
for us to defend ourfelves. The rock I have 
' mentioned, near which we were encampe(3, 
contained an immenfe quantity of bats, and it 
is from this circumftance it takes its name. Of 
thefe animals fome, feared by a light that was 
new to them, made in their holes fo frightful 
^. aoife as ajmoft to ftun me; while others 
fluttered 
