97 
almost worn out with fatigue. In this situ- 
ation I thought it incumbent on such of 
the party as could travel to get forward, 
and provide a place where wood and water 
could be had. I was of this company; and 
that all those who remained behind might 
find their way, I ordered the Caffree guides 
to set fire to the long grass, which served, 
during the night, as a point of direction. 
I was in expectation of their coming 
up with us before the morning ; but we 
were sadly disappointed. We remained sta- 
tionary until the sun appeared, and then 
went on. 
Not one of the people we had left be- 
hind appeared this morning ; but the guides 
gave us to understand we would reach a 
Christian settlement in the course of the 
day, where assistance would certainly be 
had. This intelligence gave us new spirits ; 
and we travelled with an unusual alertness, 
until we came to a farm-house. Here we 
expected relief ; but none, alas ! was to be 
found : the whole place had been deserted 
for some time ; we were obliged, therefore 
to sleep again in the air, and leave our 
H 
