the poisonous point is turned inwards into the reed. The bone of
the leg of the ostrich, is the most esteemed material, yet other bones
are as commonly used for the purpose. The shape and make of
these heads, though essentially the same, vary in some trifling particulars,
according to different tribes. *
On my requesting Kaabi to lend me four pack-oxen to assist
in carrying my baggage as far as the Gariep, he immediately, and
with great willingness, promised that I should have them on the
morrow.
Judging from my former track, as it appeared upon paper, that
we might reach the Gariep by taking a course directly across the
country, I consulted with him respecting the probability of finding
water by the way. His opinion was, that there was no impediment to
travelling directly northward from this kraal, as the country was
open, but we should not find any water ; and that it was safest for
us to follow that river the waters of which we had so long drunk. I
therefore resolved to follow his advice; yet I discovered afterwards,
that the natives, at least, can traverse that tract, and consequently
must know where to find springs by the way; though it would be
too great a risk for a large party of strangers and cattle, situated as
we were, to venture on such an uncertain route. Notwithstanding
this, Kaabi’s advice was most probably given with reference to our
circumstances; as he might know that there would not be water
enough for so many mouths; as our dogs, horses, and oxen would
require perhaps a larger quantity than those springs could supply.
At night there was dancing in one of the huts, the same as
* In the engraving at the end of this chapter, the upper figure shows the arrowhead
taken out of the shaft or reed, part of which is seen on the right. The thicker and
darker part under the triangular tip of iron, is the poison, at the bottom of which is the
quill-barb: the rest is bone. The second figure is a, bone-head without the iron tip, and
in this the poison is layed on the thinner part. Of the three middle figures; that on the
right represents the lower end of the arrow, or that which is applied to die string: that on
the left explains the manner in which the piece of iron is fixed into the bone. The
above figures are taken from arrows used by the Bushmen visited in these travels: the
three Tower ones are from those used in Little, and Great, Namaqualand.
already described; and observation inclines me to suppose that it is
a common amusement with these people.
15th. Platje, Van Roye, and Cornelis, requesting leave to ride
forward on horseback and hunt through the country before the game
should have been disturbed, I permitted them to set out several
hours earlier than the time fixed for the departure of the whole
party: while at the same time Speelman, Keyser, and Stuurman, went
on foot. This I did with a view to procuring a sufficient quantity of
meat to be sent back as payment with Kaabi’s four oxen.
Before our departure, much delay was occasioned by sending
our oxen and dogs to the water, which, according to the report of the
Hottentots who took them, lay at a distance which, thither and returning,
made a journey of nearly ten miles. The sheep were spared
this fatigue, by being naturally better able than the oxen to endure
thirst.W
hen we were about to pack up our baggage, Kaabi came to
inform me that it was not in his power to lend us the four padc-oxen;
that he himself was perfectly willing to give me that assistance, but
that he had been opposed in this affair by some of the principal
members of the kraal.
Now it appeared that the presence of my Graaffreynet Hottentots,
had created among them some alarm and mistrust: for Keyser, who
understood their language, overheard them mentioning to each other,
their suspicions that he and Stuurman were spies sent by the boors;
as they were recognised as having been seen in the service of the
colonists, and Keyser was even pointed at as having been one of a
former ‘ commando’ which came into their country to retake some
stolen cattle. Platje also made to me a report of the same nature;
and all who understood their language, discovered that the cause of
their having removed their kraal from Waterpoint, was, the fear
of being pursued, and that they now, in consequence of the place
of their retreat being known to Hottentots connected with the
boors, had resolved to remove to another spot, on the very next
day after our departure. On this account, they were themselves
V O L. I I . D D