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 travellers
had made up their mind, and travelled back during the whole of that day.
The Matabili despatched the messenger who had come to him, and who
again set off at all speed; at night he urged our travellers 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 Vaal 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 waggons 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 waggons will be twelve or fifteen miles
off. Alexander and I, with Bremen, will remain here with our horses,
and wait till the moon rises, to see if we can discover anything; and we
can easily join the waggons by daybreak. We will keep the