escorting them. What was the communication of course our travelers could
not tell; but their suspicions were confirmed by the behavior of the
man. When he found that, on the following morning, they yoked the oxen
and retraced their steps, he begged them not to go, but to advance into
the interior of the country, where they would find plenty of game; told
them that the king would be very angry if they left so soon; and if he
did not see them, his heart would be very sad. But our travelers had
made up their mind, and traveled back during the whole of that day. The
Matabili dispatched the messenger who had come to him, and who again set
off at all speed; at night he urged our travelers not to go back, saying
that the king would be very angry with him. But as the Griquas were now
equally convinced that treachery was intended, they paid no attention
to the Matabili chief, and continued their route, shooting elands by the
way for their sustenance. Late in the evening of the third day they
found themselves on the borders of the Val river. It was still two hours
before dark, and as the Matabili pressed them to encamp where they were,
they were satisfied that they had better not, and therefore they forded
the river, and rejoined the caravan, under charge of Bremen, just as
night closed in.

The Griquas said, that from the Matabili wishing them to remain on the
other side of the river, they were persuaded that a force would arrive
during that night or the following morning, and that it would be
necessary to be on the look-out; although probably the enemy would not
venture to attack them without further orders, now that they were no
longer in Moselekatsee's dominions. Every preparation was therefore
made: the Griquas and Hottentots were all supplied with ammunition, and
mustered with their guns in their hands. The wagons were arranged, the
fires lighted, and four men were posted as sentinels round the
encampment. What added still more to their suspicions was, that, about
an hour after dark, the Matabili chief was not to be found.

"My opinion is," said the Major, "that we ought to steal a march upon
them. Our oxen are in excellent condition, and may travel till to-morrow
evening without feeling it. Let us yoke and be off at once, now that it
is dark. The moon will rise about two o'clock in the morning, but before
that the wagons will be twelve or fifteen miles off. Alexander and I,
with Bremen, will remain here with our horses a