234 JOURNEY TO LATTAKOO, [1813, 
the floor of which was strewed with the bones of 
animals, and some parts indicated fires having been 
made in it, perhaps by people taking refuge from 
enemies, for it was too gloomy and terrific to be chosen 
as a residence even by wild Bushmen. After collecting 
some samples of the rock, and powder, we returned 
to the mouth of the cave, nearly as black as chimney 
sweepers by the powder, which flew about so as 
almost to extinguish our lights. 
We were detained at our station until three P.M. 
by two circumstances — the straying of our catde in 
different directions, and the bringing the buffalo that 
was shot the day before. We feared the lions would 
devour it during the night, but they did not, so we 
had food for ourselves and followers for several daySy 
without diminishing the number of our sheep. 
Leaving Blink Fountain, we travelled N. among 
tall grass till six in the evening, when the stars being 
obscured by clouds, it became so dark, we judged it 
prudent to halt till the rising of the moon should 
furnish sufficient light to proceed. Water and plenty 
of wood being at hand, we kindled three large fires, 
and made coffee, which contributed much to our com- 
fort in a cold and windy night. The water had the 
flavour of oil paint, but was pure. Part of the curtain 
which covered the heavens being drawn aside, we 
found sufficient star-light to go forward at eight P.M, 
We continued in motion till after midnight, when we 
halted at Tamanay Fountain, under the shelter of 
