Statement of Silayi. 
439 
A. No; they had rain doctors, and the Kafirs in the dry seasons 
always employed Bushmen to bring rain for them. They had medicine 
also for lions. There was a root we dug, which we pounded and attached 
to the manes and tails of the horses, together with the smelling parts of a 
skunk. Our horses were then safe. The root had a very unpleasant 
smell, and together with the skunk was too much for the lions. 
Q. Did the tribe remain long in one place ? 
A. No ; we moved from cave to cave and mountain to mountain fre- 
quently. This was to keep ourselves from observation. When pathways 
about any cave we occupied were noticeable we moved off. 
Q. How did those who were out on hunting or thieving expeditions 
know where to find the tribe on their return ? 
A. When a cave was left a stick was always put in the ground, point- 
ing in the direction the tribe had taken. They had tinder-boxes, got 
amongst the Kafirs, and we used fires also as signals. 
Q. In moving along how did you proceed ? 
A. We moved always with the greatest caution. We had scouts 
out, and we had signals with the skins we wore, which we all under- 
stood. 
Q. Where did they get the material with which the caves are 
painted ? 
A. It was taken out of the ground. Some kinds were prepared at the 
fire. They could paint very well. 
Q. What did they use to paint with ? 
A. Hairs taken out of the tail or mane of a gnu. These hairs w^ere 
tied together and fastened on a thin reed. The brush was then dipped in 
the prepared clay and used to paint with. 
Q. Did you like your life with the Bushmen ? 
A. Yes, I got on very well with them. I left them at last on account 
of my people sending for me. Hans and Ngqika left the tribe at the 
same time. Hans and Ngqika afterwards went to the Qokolweni Mission 
Station, and I returned home. Afterwards they went to Adam Kok's 
country. 
Q. What became of the Bushmen ? 
A. Ngqabayi and his tribe were attacked about the time of Nongqause 
(1858) by Umgndhlwa. They had stolen his cattle. The women and 
children were nearly all killed. Only two boys and one woman, 
Ngqabayi's daughter, escaped. Ngqabayi himself and a few of his men 
got away and took refuge in Umditshwa's country. After that they 
went back to the mountains, and the last news I heard of them was that 
they were about the sources of the Umzimvubu Eiver (St. John's). 
I am now a Christian, having joined the Mission at Lucwecwe two 
years before the last Gcaleka War, through which I served under you. It 
