Removal of the Station Proposed

Removal of the station proposed — Objections to the plan — The Author visits Cape Town — Surprise of the Bcchuana chiefs — Missionaries arrive — Return to the station — Journey to the Rauangketsi — -Vvander in the desert — The country and game — Natural wells — A Sabbath in the wilderness — Ignorance of the natives — jManner of catching game — Incidents at a pool — Great sufferings from thirst — A scene at the w’ater — Arrive at the Ba rolongs — Children offered for sale — Proceed to the Bauangketsi — Cattle seized — The party met by a son of Makaba — The rain¬ maker’s end — Reception at Kuakue.

The events recorded in the preceding chapter were of so peculiar a character, and the circumstances under which they took ylace so remarkable, that we were naturally led to anticipate a favourable change in the prospects of the mission. We had been but a short time at Griqua Town, when all reports of farther invasion from the interior died away, the enemy having taken another route; and we accordingly retraced our steps to a spot now in some measure endeared to us. The people in general appeared to feel deeply sensible of the lively interest wdiich the missionaries had taken in their welfare, especially as they could not help seeing that it was not without much suffering and deprivation of comfort on our part. They could not but wonder that we remained in the country, when

we might have escaped to the Colony with comparatively little loss of property; and they did not hesitate to say this to ourselves, with evident admiration of our conduct. We had long deplored the unsuitable character of the spot on which we lived for a missionary station; and owing to the succession of dry seasons there was every prospect, from the diminution of the fountain of its becoming still more trying.

All the buildings which had hitherto been raised were but temporary; and the prospect of being left on a sandy plain without even drinking-water, not only prevented our erecting comfortable abodes, but determined us to embrace what appeared a favourable juncture for recommending a removal to a situation more eligible. A place eight miles distant, and about three miles below the Kuruman fountain, was examined, and appeared, from the locality, its proximity to the source of the river, from which a very large supply of water issued, to be a better spot for a missionary station than any other for hundreds of miles round. When this situation was first proposed to the chiefs it was rejected, owing to the distance from trees and bushes of which to make their houses and fences. In a former chapter, the disposition and habits of the people in this respect have been explained. The country around where we now lived had in its turn been denuded, and it was in vain that we tried to convince them that they could not expect every advantage in one locality. We found it of no avail to point out to them the manner in which some of the interior tribes built their fences and folds with stone, and of which they had numerous examples before their eves at Old Lithako, in the ruins of many cattle-folds and fences on the hills.* Rather than gather or quarry stones to raise a substantial fence, a man would take a forked stick, a thong, and his axe, and occupy nearly a whole day in bring¬ ing from a distance a bundle of the hook-thorn (acacia) to fill up a gap in his cattle or sheep fold. Mothihi told us we might go and settle at 8euH (the island), the native name for the place, be¬ ing in the middle of an extensive valley of reeds, covered with water, because we should he a protection to his cattle from the Bushmen, who were trouble¬ some in that quarter.

As I had contemplated a journey to Cape Town, in order to obtain supplies, as well as on account of Mrs. M.’s health, which had suffered considerably, IMr. Hamilton and I were anxious to settle the subject of removal with the natives before I went, that the necessary preparations for so important a mea¬ sure might he made while at Cape Town. At our request Mothihi, two or three of his chiefs, with Peclu, his son and heir- apparent, accompanied us to the spot. After examination, it was agreed that about

* From these fences or walls, which, however, exhibit nothing like what is understood by masoury, but only stone dykes, the place derives its name, Lorako, a wall (of defence), Lithako (walls). They are supposed to have been built in the days of Tlou, the greatest of the Barolotig kings, whose power extended from the Bahurutsian mountains to the Hamhana hills, a distance of two hundred miles. The Batlapis were then an insignificant tribe, which rose to renown and influence, and threw off the yoke of one of the sons of Tlou, whose kingdom had been divided among his sons; and, owing to their wars and contentions for supremacy, the Barolong nation dwindled to a tribe, now scattered in various sections.

two miles of the valley, from the ford downward, should henceforth be the property of the London Missionary Society, and that for the same a remuneration should be given on my return from Cape Town. Having completed these arrangements, I proceeded thither with my family in October, 1823, leaving Mr. Hamilton alone on the station. As Motbibi was anxious that his son should see the country of the white people, lie sent him with us, and appointed Taisho, one of his principal chiefs, to accompany him. The kind reception they met with from his Excellency the Governor, and the friends in Cape Town, and the sights they saw, produced strange emotions in their minds. They were delighted with every thing they beheld, and were in raptures when they met again their old friend, George Thompson, Esq., who showed them no little kindness. It was with some difficulty that they were prevailed upon to go on board one of the ships in the bay; nor would they enter the boat till I had preceded them. They were perfectly astounded, when hoisted on deck, with the enormous size of the hull, and the height of the masts; and when they saw a boy mount the rigging, and ascend to the very mast-head, they were speechless with amazement. Taisho whispered to the 3mung prince, ‘’A ga si khatla?” Is it not an ape? When they entered the splendid cabin, and looked into the deep bold, they could scarcely be convinced that the vessel was not resting on the bottom of the ocean. ‘’Do these water houses (ships) unmke like wagon-oxen every night?” they inquired. “Do they graze in the sea to keep them alive?” A ship in full sail approaching the roads, they were asked what they thought of that. ‘‘We have no thoughts here; we hope to think again when we get to the shore,” was their reply. They would go anywhere with me or INIr. Thompson, for whom they entertained a kindly feeling, but they would trust no one else.

On the very day we reached Cape Town, the Nepos arrived, bringing Messrs. Robson, Edwards, and Hughes, three additional labourers for our mission. This was a highly interesting season to us, who had lately been so greatly tried and perplexed.

We were also encouraged to hope that the visit of the young prince and Taisho ^YOuld produce a salutary impression on their countrymen on their return, and at least convince them that the mission¬ aries had friends, and were not obliged to live a life of self-denial among the Bechuanas because they vrere not allowed to dwell elsewdiere, Mr. Robson, who began very early to feel the effects of a warm climate, was, after taking medical advice, induced to remain, at least for a season, at one of our colonial stations, and accordingly went to Bethelsdorp, where he laboured for some time, and has since been most successfully engaged as a missionary at Port Elizabeth. Mr. Edw-ards was detained for the purpose of improving the temporal affairs, and superintending the erection of new buildings at some of our colonial stations.

With Mrs. M.’s health somewdiat improved, we left Cape Towm, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and, after enduring for twm months the tedium and monotony of an African journey, we reached the station in May, 1824; having left our companions to remain for a season at Griqua Towm, Mrs. H.’s

situation rendering it improper for her to travel. Our return, which had been expected with much interest, and some anxiety, by the parents of the young prince, was hailed with all the grotesque expressions of extravagant delight. During our absence Mr. Hamilton had continued his quiet and apparently fruitless labours but with the consolation that the natives had been much kinder than they were wont to be. Soon after our departure he had suffered the loss of his dwelling-house by hre, when almost all that was valuable to him was destroyed, as well as many of the Society’s tools. The visit to the Cape appeared to give great satisfaction to all parties. The original engagement for the land on which to establish our new station was ratified. The spot on which the first houses ever built there were to stand was surveyed, and the course of the water-ditch, or canal, marked out. As we had been led to expect labourers from the Colony to assist in carrying on the public work, the preliminaries only of removal could be attended to; and as Mr. Hughes was to join the mission after a time, it was judged proper that I should in the interim fulfil my promise to Makaha, king of the Bauangketsi, for which we had heard that he was very anxious, having been informed of my former attempt to do so.

I left on the 1st of July, accompanied by some Griquas, who were going part of the way with a view to hunt elephants. After travelling three days, over a comparatively sandy plain, studded with clumps of acacias, we reached the Mashaua, or Old Lithako River, where we obtained water by digging in its bed. Here we were joined by another party. under the chief Berend Berend. Leaving this spot, where the draught oxen, which were numerous, obtained a very scanty supply of water, we proceeded in a northerly direction, over another sandy plain, on which large acacia trees were thinly scattered. At sunset our Bechuana guides, according to custom, halted for the night; hut as the water was distant, our party was anxious to proceed in the cool of the night, for the sake of the oxen. Our guides assured us that we should lose our way; but the majority was resolved to follow what appeared to be the direct course, for road there was none. While the owners of the long string of wagons were proceeding, trusting to the first team, they, as is very common, laid themselves down on their stretchers, and slept. The wagon-drivers also began to get very drowsy; and after some hours’ riding, I could plainly discover from the stars that we were diverging to the left, and gave information to the leading wagon-drivers, but was assured they were right, while I was equally sure they were wrong. About two o’clock a. m. we halted. The principal individuals of the party having dozed a little, arose and surrounded the kindled fires, which were now acceptable, though the day had been exceedingly hot. While preparing a cup of coffee, I took* out my compass, to assure the party that for more than two hours we had been travelling towards the Mashaua, from whence we had come. The more sa2:acious looked for some time at the little instrument, and then, looking around and upwards to the stars, pronounced it to be an impostor. Others re¬ marked, that it might know the right way in its own country, but how was it to find it out there?

While eating a morsel of food, for which we had an nncommon relish, the waning moon began to diffuse a pale lustre on the eastern horizon. “What a fire!” said one. ‘‘It is the moon,” I replied. All, start¬ ing to their feet, exclaimed, “The moon cannot rise on that side of the world and Antonie, a venerable old man, who had been once a slave, said, very respectfully, “Sir, your head has turned; the moon never rose in the west in my life, and I am an old man.” “It is the moon,” I again said; but no one believed me, and we resumed our repast. Presently the moon’s horn was seen above the horizon, when all rose again, some saying, “AYhat is that?” I had no further need to argue the point. Antonie, in grave amazement, exclaimed, “The moon has for once risen on the wrong side of the world!” Soon after the sun’s rays threw additional light on their bewildered imaginations, and showed to all that for half the night, we had been travelling towards the station of the former day, instead of from it. But, what was still worse, it was discovered that nearly all our draught oxen had left us, and returned to the water we had quitted. ITorses were despatched to bring them back, and in the evening they all re¬ turned, were immediately inyoked, and at a late hour we reached water, where we found some of our guides, who laughed most hemtily at our self-conceit about seeing in the dark. Here we halted for a couple of days, to refresh our oxen, while our hunters brought us in plenty of the flesh of the rhinoceros and buffalo. We then proceeded over a country of lime-stone, covered with the hook-thorn acacia, and halted again at Kongke, where we spent the Sabbath, on which we rested, — according to a previous agree¬ ment with the Gri(yuas, that there should be neither hunting nor travelling on that day, — and enjoyed the usual services. Here also I had an opportunity of addressing the natives, who congregated around us, in a country which at first appeared to be without an inhabitant. A party of Bechuanas, who had accompanied us thus far, now proceeded north-west, towards the Kalagare, and we journeyed towards the east.

The countrv became rather more interestins:, heins:

interspersed by hills of lime-stone, covered with trees and shrubs, with an abundance of game, some of which must travel at least twenty miles to obtain water. I found, however, that many of the antelope kind could remain two davs without water, while rhinoceroses and quaggas were in the habit of frequent¬ ing it daily. Some of the company killed two elephants during the day, and we were compelled to bivouac in a plain without water, as it was dangerous to proceed, owing to the number of lions, whose roar we heard in the distance. Next day we proceeded in a more northerly direction over an undulating country, covered with a considerable quantity of timber, but of the poorest quality. We halted at two natural wells of rather an extraordinary description, an iron schist formation, about 100 yards from each other. One is about sixteen feet deep, with four feet of water; they are both nearly pei’pendicular, and about two feet and a half in diameter. The hill in which they are is composed of a conglomerate mass of iron schist, and near the mouth, as well as in the sides of these holes, are appearances as if the whole had once

been in a state of fusion, and that these were the apertures of some internal tires, but nothing like lava appears in the neighbourhood. From the older natives, who had resided near these wells all their lives, I learned that they were once much deeper. The water was excellent, and to obtain sufficient for ourselves and horses, we fastened a vessel to the end of a rope; the oxen we sent to a water at a distance, called Khuari. Two elephants were shot; this was glorious news for the poor Bechuanas, or Sauneys, who instantly resorted to the carcases, and with their wretched knives and spears soon dissected the ponderous animals. Miser¬ able indeed is the condition of these poor people, to whom reference has already been made in the first chapter, where the reader will see a parallel drawn between them and the Bushmen, who have decidedlv the advantage. The latter are independent, and can give or withhold their services to the neighbouring tribes at pleasure. Their sufferings beyond the common lot of homeless tribes, arise from their stealing cattle, which renders them obnoxious to their richer neighbours. All that they procure in the chase, even the daintiest of the game, is their own. Not so with the poor Bechuanas. If any of the people from the towns fall in with them, they are in the most peremptory manner ordered to perform every service, however galling. Of this I had frequent opportunities of convincing myself during the present journey. They are generally spoken of in the same manner as pack- oxen, or beasts of burden, being employed for that purpose. While we were here a Mochuana met some of these people carrying meat which they had procured at a great distance, and were taking to their families, when he ordered them to take every ounce of it to his own abode. If the wounded game happens to lall at a place remote from water, these people are collected, especially the females, and compelled to carry the meat perhaps a distance of thirty miles; and to prevent their elopement, when their services are required the following day, they are sometimes hedged into a fold made of hook-thorn hushes, precisely like so many sheep, and there they must pass the night. Many of the poor women came to the water, particularly when they found there was a stranger there who took their part. The Bechuanas who were travelling with us to the Barolongs, did not object to my interference on their behalf, and only laughed at my foolishness in making such “lincha,” dogs, the objects of my sympathy. They, like the natives in general, live at a distance from water, which they visit at most once a day. As they never wash themselves, little of that precious beverage serves. Their vessels consist of sacks made from skins, or the entrails and paunches of animals. They use also ostrich eggs corked with grass, for the same purpose, of which a woman can carry thirty.

Here we spent a quiet, and I believe a protitable Sabbath. There were membei’s of the church at Griqua Town in our party, who often proved interesting society in a desert. I conversed some time with the poor, ignorant Sauneys; they appeared lively and interesting, esyecially when they had eaten plenty of meat, of which there was, on that occasion, no lack. 1 made many inquiries to discover if they had any sense of moral evil; it was with great difficulty I could convey to their understanding what I meant to say. They assured me again and again.

that they could not comprehend that there was evil in any thing they could do. The term holeo (sin) did not convey to them the same meaning it does to us; they applied it to a weapon, or any thing else which they thought was not made as they wished. Thus, what we should call an imperfect knife or arrow, they would call a sinful arrow. But of a sense of sin arising from responsibility, they had no conception; they did not even seem to think that the conduct of those who tyrannized over them veas wicked, but merely that it had fallen to their lot to be so treated, or was a thing that happened, like a lion killing a man. When I directed their thoughts to a great Being in the heavens, some looked up with a vacant stare, as if they expected to see something appear. When I asked who made all things, they were only surprised that I should ask such a question. They wondered at our singing hymns, which ‘‘ these valleys and rocks never heard,” and inquired if they were war songs. My books puzzled them; they asked if they were my “Bola,” prognosticating dice. Hap¬ less beings, they drag out a miserable existence!

The principal part of the game they obtain is caught in pitfalls. I have seen some of these holes sixteen feet deep, where even a tall giraffe and ponderous rhinoceros are entrapped. Some of them are formed like a funnel, others are an oblong square, with sharp stakes fastened in the bottom: the earth taken out is generally scattered, and the opening covered over with sticks and grass. These pits are often dangerous to travellers and hunters, and lives are not unfrequently lost, as they are generally formed in the footpaths of the game.

The landscape was somewhat pleasing to the eye; many clumps of trees were scattered around, and on the plain to the north, between us and the Molapo river, appeared a forest, but the timber, chiefly acacia, was of small dimensions. On the distant horizon, hills in the Eauangketsi country were seen apparently covered with timber, indicating a more fertile region. Lions abounded in this neighbourhood, but they did not disturb us, except by an occasional roar. Some of the horsemen having visited the Molapo, and found the bed of it dry, it was necessary to alter our course. One evening, we came to a pool of rain water, which was surrounded by fires, in order to prevent the game from approaching. This was to us a most providential supply, as there was no water for two days after leaving this. The few natives who visited us, finding that we were very friendly, brought the whole village to our encampment; and as we had plenty of meat, they were, to their no small surprise, liberally supplied and rewarded for allowing our cattle to drink at their guarded pool. The soup in which our meat was cooked, and which contained an ample share of mud, was swallowed with avidity: a dozen wmuld surround a pot, and having no spoons, and not allowing time for the soup to cool, they used the right hand to take out a little, threw it quickly into the hollow of the left, thence into the mouth, and after¬ wards licked both, that nothing might be lost. The following day, we travelled over a dry and sandy y)lain, and halted wdthout water. Early next day we resumed our journey, and it was distressing to see the sufferings of the poor cattle from thirst, running

into the shadow of a tree or bush, from which it was difficult to remove them. We at last descended into the bed of the Molapo, but it was as dry as the neighbouring plains. We proceeded eastward along the bed of the river, but could not meet with an individual to give us information as to where we might find water. The valley becoming rocky, we were compelled to lead out our wagons to the open country. We had scarcely done this, when two lions passed along the spot we had left, roaring furiously. After some miles’ jogging over a rough, bushy country, we descended again into the river’s bed, where it was discovered the reeds were on hre. Nearly the whole party ran, expecting water, but found none. Men and cattle being worn out, we halted for the night, every one feeling as if this night was to be his last. Two very hot days’ travelling over a dusty plain, with a dry and parching wind, had reduced mind and body to a state of great exhaustion. A camp of eleven wagons, upwards of one hundred and tii’ty oxen, and nearly a hundred human beings, generally make a terrible uproar, especially when there is plenty of meat; ours was silent as the desct’t around, interrupted only by an occasional groan from the wearied, worn-out cattle.

Thirst aroused us at an early hour, and examining the footmarks, we found that the horsemen who had left us on the previous day in search of water, had passed eastward. Before we had proceeded far, a buffalo was discovered in a thicket of reeds. The men, seizing their guns, fired upon him, but as he concealed himself in the middle of the reeds, it was difficult to reach him. I entreated the men to desist, as from the character of the buffalo when wounded an accident appeared to be inevitable; however, they persisted, saying, “If we cannot get water, we must have raw Hesli.” In order to dislodge the animal, they set tire to the reeds, wdien the enraged buffalo rushed out through the tire and smoke; and though his gait seemed as awkward and heavy as that of a great pig, he instantly overtook one of the men, who escaped with merely being thrown down, slightly wounded, and having his jacket torn open. Had not the dogs at the same moment seized the animal from behind, the man would have been killed on the spot. The buffalo returned to the flaming reeds, from which he would not move, but was shot after his skin wns literally roasted in the fire. About noon we came unexpectedly to the stream, into which men, oxen, horses, and sheep rushed promiscuously, presenting a scene of the most ludicrous description. One man is pushed down by an ox, pleased with the refreshing coolness of the water; another, in his haste, tumbles headforemost over the bank, followed by a sheep or a goat. One crawls between the legs of oxen, another tries to force himself in between their bodies. One shouts that a horse is trampling upon him, and another that he is fast in the mud. But while all this was going on, there was no disposition for merriment, till every one was satisfied and with¬ drew from the water; when wet, muddy-looking spectacles presented themselves, which would have caused even gravity itself to laugh. While the meat was prey)aring over the fire, a quaff of the tobacco pipe unloosed every tongue, and made all eloquent on the liardshiy)s of the past. Correctly to conceive of such

a scene, it is necessary to have witnessed it. Here we refreshed ourselves with a day’s rest, and on the following arrived at Pitsan, the principal town of the Barolong tribe, who lived formerly, when visited by Mr. Campbell, at Kunuana or Mosheu, three days’ journey to the south.

Tauane, the highest chief, made his appearance, amidst a noisy multitude; he saluted us in the English manner, by giving the right hand, saying, as well as he could pronounce it, “Good morning.” Many were the good mornings they wished us, though the sun had long set. On the following day the principal men met us, with whom we conferred on the object of my journey, while the Griquas informed them of their plan to shoot elephants in the neighbourhood. Tauane, a weak, imbecile looking man, tried, as is usual among the African tribes, to dissuade me from attempting to visit so notorious a character, at the same time prophesying my destruction. This town, which covered a large space, and included a numerous division of Bahurutsi, and another of the Bauangketsi, contained upwards of twenty thousand inhabitants, all of whom had congregated here after the attack of the Mantatees. During my absence at Cape Town, Mr. Hamilton had visited them, to whom many listened with great attention, and as it had rained very heavily during his visit, he was viewed in the very imposing light of a rain-maker, they having requested him to pray for rain, which he did. They were not back¬ ward in reminding me of this fact; but on inquiring what he had taught them, I found their memories were less tenacious.

Anxious to make the best use of the time, especially of the sabbath, I first held divine service in the Dutch language, for the Griquas; but the noise of the multitude which had congregated, obliged us to desist. I then attempted at two different parts of the town to address the people through an interpreter, and by the influence of the chiefs obtained a hearing. I conversed with the principal men on the subject of a missionary settling among them. One said, “You must come and make rain and another, “You must come and protect us.” Of course I gave them to understand that the object of the missionary was neither to make rain, nor to protect them, and referred to our mission at the Kuruman, of which some had a perfect knowledge. Multitudes, who appeared to have nothing to do, crowded around us from morning till night. The town was under the government of three chiefs, Tauane, Gontse, and Inche. The first was considered the most powerful, though Gontse had the greatest number of Barolongs under his authority. The last was brother to Khosi, whom Mr. Campbell describes, but who, from his want of energy, was deposed. As in all other towns, there were sections composed of the inhabitants of other tribes, who congregate under chiefs of their own, and retain the name and peculiarities which distinguish their nations. Thus there was a considerable suburb of Bauangketsi, under the chief Moromolo, who was a man of sound judgment and commanding mien. Wooden bowls, spoons, and ornaments in abundance, were brought to exchange for commodities which we possessed; among others, two elderly men came and presented their children for sale; a sheep was expected for one, and a (juantity of beads for the

other. I embraced the opportunity of pointing out to them, and to all present, how unnatural such conduct was, and the direful consequences which must arise from such a course; that a sheep would soon be eaten, and a few ornaments could avail little when compared with the assistance they might expect from their children; how useful they might become to the tribe generally, and to themselves in particular, when age and weakness would make them thankful to have a friend, a relative, and particularly a child. They walked off, evidently disappointed, while those around, who were listening to what I said, professed their fullest conviction of the horrors to which such a system, if connived at, would lead. It is proper, at the same time, to remark, that slavery, in the general sense of the term, does not exist among the Bechuanas. The feudal system prevails among the tribes. There are two grades, the rich, who are hereditary chiefs, and the poor. The latter continue in the same condition, and their lot is a comparatively easy kind of vassalage. Their lives are something like those of their dogs, hunger and idleness; but they are the property of their respective chiefs, and their forefathers have, from time immemorial, been at the mercy of their lords. There are, however, few restraints laid upon them, as they often leave for a more comfortable situation at a distance; but should they be brought into circumstances of danger, they flee to their former masters for protection.

Tauane was extremely reluctant that we should proceed to the Bauangketsi. He had introduced to me one of Makaba’s wives, who had fled with her two sons, one of whom was afterwards, like Absalom, slain by the warriors of his father for treason. The %/

mother of this enterprising character was a fine look¬ ing, matronly woman. After having satisfied myself about the propriety of proceeding, I resolved on leaving with my small party, expecting that the hunters would take another course, as they had their fears that what everybody said about Makaba must be true. However, all inyoked their oxen at the same time, and the cavalcade began to move towards the Bauangketsi country. We halted at night near a large pool, with the pleasing prospect of spending a tranquil sabbath, for we supposed we were still a great way from the Bauangketsi cattle out-posts. Having travelled far, our oxen being unusually fatigued, they were left un¬ guarded, or not made fast with thongs to the wagons, which is frequently done in a strange country, and where lions abound. After our usual evening service, we all retired, every one in good spirits, having some¬ what recovered from the frightful Barolong stories about the great man to whom we were going, and whose beer we were told we should have to drink out of human skulls. In the luorning it was discovered that nearly fifty of our oxen had strayed during the night: we met for service in the forenoon, expecting that the men who were sent in search of them would soon return. About mid-day they made their appearance, with the somewhat startling intelligence that the cattle had fallen into the hands of Makaba’s out-post keepers, who, not knowing whose they were, had seized them, and killed one. This information produced not only murmuring, but much fear in our camp; and many were the speculations to which it gave rise; some were contemplating a hasty flight,

thus rendering the sabbath less profitable than I had anticipated. However, our minds were somewhat relieved, for in the evening two men brought six of the oxen, together with the meat of the one slaughtered, stating that the rest were separated, and sent to the different out-posts, but that they should all be restored. The men very earnestly begged us to intercede for them with Makaba, who, they said, would most certainly take their lives for the ox they had slaughtered. We assured them of our interference on their behalf. The Griquas were thus, from a kind of necessity, induced to proceed to head quarters.

Having still eight oxen for each wagon, we resolved on proceeding. We had not gone far before we were met by Maroga, or Marocha, one of Makaba’s sons, at the head of a number of men. He presented me with some milk, and addressed us as follows: — ‘‘ I am terrified at your presence, because of the injury we have done you. We should ail have fled, but we knew you were men of peace. Your oxen will be restored, not one shall be lost. I have ordered the men to the town who killed the ox. They shall be torn in pieces before your eyes. Makaba, my father, will not pardon them, for he has long expected you as his friends. The road to the town is far, it is without water; remain, and drink of my pool, and to-morrow I will take you to the house of my father.” With his proposal that we should remain during the night, I refused to comply. Upon this he immediately presented me with an ox; but I still refused, on the ground that his father might in the meanwhile kill the men referred to, which would exceedingly grieve us, and prevent our revisiting his

THE rain-maker’s end. country. Maroga at last acquiesced, and at my re- ([uest rode with his wife in my wagon, which was matter of no small diversion to them; riding of any kind, even on oxen, being never practised either by the Bauangketsi or Barolongs. At eight, p. m. we halted at a place without water, when Maroga and his company viewed our water-barrels, and the abundant provision we had made of that element, with astonishment. The wife of Maroga was formerly wife of the Bahurutsi rain-maker, who left Lithako in 1822. It appears from her account that Makaba had invited him to the capital, and, after the store¬ houses were filled with corn, the supposed result of the rain-maker’s pretended skill, charged him with having bewitched his child, who was sick; and laying hands on the impostor, killed him, and gave his wife to his own son. This was her own story; but the fact was, that Maroga, one day sitting by his father, observed the rain-maker’s wife, who was a fine-looking woman, and remarked that she was much too pretty for such a man. Her husband was speared by Makaba’s orders, and the woman given to his son. She seemed still to feel grateful for the kindness shown to her at our station, and referred to my interference on behalf of her late husband.

Next day, before we had proceeded far, we were met by messengers from Makaha, who said he had not slept for joy, because of our approach. We passed a number of women, employed in their gardens, who, on seeing us, threw down their picks, and running to the wagons, lifted up their hands, exclaiming, “Ilumela,” (their manner of salutation,) which was followed hv shrill cries sufficient

to affright the very oxen. As the wagons were obliged to take a circuitous road over the hill to the town, we saddled our horses to cross by the nearest way; on reaching the summit of the hill, at the foot of which lay the metropolis of the Bauangketsi, turning our eyes northward, we were greatly surprised on beholding the number of towns which lay scattered in the valleys. Oar guide conducted us through a winding street to the habitation of Makaba, who stood at the door of one of his houses, and welcomed us to the town in the usual way. He seemed astonished and pleased to see us all without arms, remarking, with a hearty laugh, that he wondered we should trust ourselves, unarmed, in the town of such a villain as he was reported to be. In a few minutes a multitude gathered, who actually trode on each other in their eagerness to see the strangers and their horses. Meanwhile Makaba walked into a house, and sent us out a large jar, or pot of beer, with calabashes, in the form of ladles. Being thirsty, we partook very heartily of the beer, which possessed but little of an intoxicating quality.

By this time our wagons had reached the town, and as Makaba had expressed his desire that we should conduct them through the principal street, I went forward to examine the narrow winding path, through a multitude of houses, and pronounced the thing impossible, without seriously injuring the fences.

Never mind that,” said Makaba, “only let me see the wagons go through my town and on they went, while the chieftain stood on an eminence before his door, looking with inexpressible delight on the wagons, which were breaking down corners of fences, while the good wives within were so much amazed at the oxen, and what appeared to them ponderous vehicles, that they hardly found time to scold, though a few did not fail to express their displeasure. Having reached the lower end of the town, we unyoked, and were instantly surrounded by several thousands of people, all making their remarks on the novel scene, which produced a noise almost deafening; nor did they retire till night came on. In the course of the after¬ noon, Maroga, accompanied by three chief men, came with orders from his father to appoint them as representatives, which was done in our presence in the most authoritative manner; when they were commanded to abide by our wagons from sunrise till we retired to rest, and to redress every grievance. They were likewise made responsible for every article which might be either lost or stolen. About sunset, Makaba sent one of his waves, stating, that the only mark of respect which he could at present show, was to send his most beloved wife, who would deliver to us a sack full of thick milk, and that to-morrow he would provide us with slaughter oxen. The sack was so large that it was borne by two men to the wagons. The lekuka, or Bechuana milk sack, will be described in another part of this work.