the case to him. He said that he would at once send
for Khama. Soon after the latter came and was
reprimanded by Mr. Moffat for not having reported the
boy’s death to the magistrate. Then Mr. Moffat asked
me what claim the chief was making. I told him.
“ Why,” said Mr. Moffat, “ it is preposterous. Give me
two pounds for the man; that is more than ample.”
Khama was much dissatisfied with the turn things had
taken, and left me with a look of contempt. That was
the only time Khama ever looked me in the face.
C H A P T E R III.
ACROSS THE DESERT
the 30th August I determined to leave Palapshwe.
My original idea had been to go straight to
Mashonaland, chiefly in order to visit the Zimbabwe
ruins; but having learnt that Mr. Bent, the well-known
archaeologist, was himself carrying out some important
researches there, I concluded it would be a waste of
time, and determined to make for the Zambezi. My
prolonged stay at Palapshwe had for its chief object to
give the oxen a rest, but the delay had done them
little good. They were in a dreadful condition—thin,
weak, and in some instances with their bones showing
through their skin. I had to replace many of them
by fresh ones at the cost of £8 per head. As I feared
would be the case, Palapshwe had also a very demoralizing
influence upon the men ; women and dissipation had done
their usual work, and when I announced my intention
to start there was an immense amount of grumbling.
The boys insisted upon a large increase of wages,
declaring that they were not going to travel in a country
of which they knew nothing, and where they were sure
to be either eaten by lions or drop from fever. In short,
of all my original followers but two remained faithful
I—my head man, Major, and his nephew Joseph, both
Basuto, in whom up to then I had rightly placed the
utmost confidence. I had to engage fresh drivers, leaders,
and cooks.
I was warned of the great difficulties that awaited me