38 
PREPARING TO CROSS THB DESERT. 
SobHuano having saved his life, and expatiated on the far- 
famed generosity of that really great man. This was the 
first time I had thought of crossing the Desert to Lake 
Ngami. 
The conduct of the Boors, who had sent a letter designed 
to procure my removal out of the country, and their well- 
known settled policy which I have already described, be- 
came more fully developed on this than on any former 
occasion. When I spoke to Mr. Hendrick Potgeitor of the 
danger of hindering the gospel of Christ among these poor 
savages, ho bccamo greatly excited, and called one of his 
followers to answer mo. Ho threatened to attack any tribe 
that might rccoivo a native teacher ; yet he promised to use 
his influence to provent those under him from throwing 
obstacles in our way. I could perceive plainly that nothing 
more could bo dono in that direction, so I commenced col- 
lecting all tho information 1 could about the desert, with 
the intention of crossing it, if possible. Sckomi, tbo chief 
of tho Bamangwato, was acquainted with a route which 
ho kept caroftilly to himself, because tho Lake country 
abounded in ivory, and ho drew largo quantities thence 
periodically at but small cost to himself. 
Scchcle, who valued highly every thing European, and 
was alwaj's fully alive to his own interest, waB naturally 
anxious to get a share of that inviting field. Ho was most 
anxious to visit Scbituarvo too, partly, perhaps, from a wish 
to show off his now acquirements, but chiefly, I believe, 
from having very exalted ideas of the bonefits he would 
derive from tho liberality of that renowned chieftain. 
Sochclo, by my advice, Bent men to Sckomi, asking leave 
for mo to pass along his path, accompanying the request 
with tho present of an ox. Sckomi’s mother, who possesses 
great influence ovor him, refused permission, because she 
had not been propitiated This produced a fresh message; 
aud tho most honorable man in tho Bakwain tribe, uoxt 
to bocholo, was sent with an ox for both Sekomi and hu 
mother This, too. was met by refusal. It was said, 
