1811. 
ARRIVAL AT SNYMAN'S. 
237 
exceedingly thirsty, and fortunately now procured a supply from 
the farmer. 
Being relieved from anxiety, we continued onwards for a quarter 
of an hour, without coming to the house ; and even after the half- 
hour, all was dark and silent, without the least sign of any habitation 
being near. The Hottentots began to suspect that we had been 
deceived by the boor, and advised halting till morning ; but as soon 
as the waggon stopped, and the oxen were just going to be loosed 
from the yoke, we fancied, in the silence, that we heard the distant 
barking of dogs. 
These watchful animals, ever attentive to the least noise at 
night, are enabled, by the openness of the country, to hear the howl 
of wild beasts, or the sound of a waggon, at a very great distance. 
We therefore continued on our way, for about two miles further, 
finding, as we advanced, that the barking became more distinct. 
At last we arrived at a hut ; but every body was asleep, except- 
ing two Hottentots, from whom we learnt that it was the habitation of 
Gerrit Snyman, the veldcornet. They assisted my men in unyoking, 
and in collecting firewood ; and as soon as our supper was finished, 
we retired to rest, without disturbing the family, who knew nothing 
of our arrival till the next morning. 
24///. When daylight disclosed the place to our view, we beheld a 
miserable abode, corresponding exactly witli the unfavorable descrip- 
tion which had already been given me : a small oblong low hut 
built of rough bits of rock ; rudely thatched with reed and sedge ; 
having no window, excepting one small opening covered with white 
linen, instead of glass ; and the doorway but half closed with a 
clumsy panel of reeds. The inside corresponded with the exterior, 
and was divided into two apartments, serving for sitting-room and 
bed-room, which last was also the store-room. No other furniture 
was to be seen, than a table and three chairs, or rather stools. 
Near to this hut were two out-buildings, which at a little distance 
might be mistaken for hay-cocks ; one of them was the storehouse, 
or barn, as it might be considered, and the other, the kitchen. In 
this the fire was made in the middle, on the ground ; and the smoke 
