MAKEHTO THE RUNNER 
359 
the river banks. The river made several winding detours to 
the north-east, while the road continued in a more or less direct 
course through the sand-belts. Occasionally sandstone, alter¬ 
nating with limestone in horizontal layers, probably of the 
cretaceous era, was visible in the banks of the river, a forma¬ 
tion corresponding in a measure with that of the Nata river on 
the north-east extreme of the Makarikari lake. 
Moremi had specially recommended Makehto to assist us 
in hunting for game in his neighbourhood, as we should require 
meat for the long journey to Mongwato, while there was but 
little hope of finding much game further along on this much 
travelled route. 
Of Makehto’s wonderful performance on foot when the 
Matabele invaded the country Moremi could never tell us often 
enough. It is the duty of Makehto, who is placed in this 
position for the purpose, to apprise the king by messenger of 
all events of interest to the nation or king that transpire in his 
district, such as travellers approaching, elephant troops passing, 
or any other matter of importance. Makehto became aware 
of the Matabeles’ approach, when they invaded the country, a 
day before they reached his place. Starting personally early 
in the morning with the important tidings, he reached the 
king’s kraal at midday and delivered his news, breaking in with¬ 
out ceremony on the astonished council, then discussing other 
matters in the Kodthla. Without a moment’s rest he begged 
permission of the king to return home to ferry across the Zouga 
his family and belongings, whom he had left defenceless and 
helpless while he hurried away with the news, and, starting off, 
reached his home before dark, and placed his people and goods 
in safety by taking them over the river that same night, before 
the Matabele had reached the spot. The king had reminded 
me to reckon up the distance travelled by this one man between 
daybreak and dark, and to tell the people I should meet in the 
outside world of his wonderful performance. As much out of 
interest as in compliance with the king’s wish, I have to state 
that Makehto travelled quite one hundred miles, allowing for 
