262, 
TRAVELS IN 
I had befides flattered myfelf, that, by remain-^ 
ing at Krekenap, I fliould find paflurage 
which would have reftored my fick cattle ; 
and it was iu reality to give them time to re- 
cover that I had indulged myfelf In an excur- 
fion acrofs the river. This diftridl, however, 
had fupplied them with no better food than the 
preceding ones ; their dyfentery ftill increafed ; 
and I found them on my return much worfe 
than before. I had refolved, therefore, to de- 
camp the fame day, and to proceed with all 
poffible expedition in fearch of a more fertile 
and happier fpot. 
This plan was by no means favourable to 
that of a journey to the fea : but an ardent de- 
fire is not fo eafily extinguiflied ; and I clearly 
faw that fooner or later I muft give W2iy to it. 
My Hottentots perfifted in their requeft, re- 
prefenting that it would in no mariner retard 
my departure, if I would allow IJonker tp be 
of the party, who being acquainted with the 
deferts which I was going to explore, would 
ferve as a guide, and enable them to join me by 
the fhorteft roads to the place where I might 
happen to encamp. Had I continued any 
longer obftinate, it might have excited top 
. ^ much 
