but as I conceived it would be more convenient to arrive there as early
in the day as possible, so that there might be sufficient time to have
an interview with the Chief, and make some arrangements before the
night came on, I determined to advance this day no nearer than the
last water on this side of the town.
When we had travelled two miles, we halted for a few minutes
to fill the water-casks at a shallow pond of clear water surrounded by
acacias, a fountain similar to Sikkloniani; having been told that the
spring at which we were to unyoke was slightly brackish, yet not
unwholesome. At the distance of a mile beyond this, we came to
another similar pond; and, as I depended upon Muchunka, who was
well acquainted with the country, and assured me that this was the
only water until we reached Litakun, I halted here for the night,
though we had not proceeded more than three miles. But on the
following day I discovered that we might have advanced six miles
farther, as this would have brought us to a plentiful rivulet of
excellent water, within four miles of the town.
What this man’s reason might be for wishing me to halt at this
place instead of going forward, as I should have done, to the rivulet,
I never could learn; nor why, after leaving Little Klibbolikhonni, he
led me in a northerly direction down the Eruman river, when he
knew that the direct and usual course would have taken us to the
source of it, at the Klibbolikhonni Spring, in the bearing of northeast.
Yet, that it was some selfish motive, I have no doubt; although
my suspicions as to his want of fidelity were not awakened
at this time. It is to be feared that every traveller who shall spend
among these African tribes time enough to learn their true character,
will find, to his trouble and vexation, that the only principle by which
they are guided is selfishness; or rather, that they have not the fixed
inflexible principle of honor to restrain them from swerving from the
path of rectitude.
The place at which we had halted was called Lobutsam, if my
interpreter’s word can be relied on. The air was now, as it had been
during thewhole day, extremely cold; its chilling effect being increased
hy a strong easterly wind ; the thermometer not having risen during
the day higherthan 58£°, (11-7 R.), and remaining all night at 43°,
(4-8 R.).
13th. It was my intention to fix my residence at Litakun for
some time, as the most favourable situation for studying the character
of the people and observing their customs. An abode there of
several weeks, would, I conceived, be highly advantageous in preparing
me for the journey onwards, and would enable me to gain
much more experience, and in much less time, than could be expected
while travelling hastily through the other parts of the country, where
we should, only occasionally, see a few straggling individuals ; if a
judgement could be formed from the number which we had hitherto
met. We should, by continuing to travel every day, soon reach, indeed,
the farthest extremity of their country ; but it would be long before
I had made myself acquainted with their manners and customs, or
had acquired that practical knowledge and experience, which I deemed
essential to my safety and success. It appeared, therefore, to be
accordant to reason, that I should make myself tolerably well acquainted
with one tribe or nation, before I proceeded to the next.
At an earlier hour than usual, we began to yoke the oxen to the
waggons ; and it seemed as if some new sensation was felt at our near
approach to a large and populous town. I could evidently perceive
that the thought of terminating this days-journey in a scene so
different from all which we had hitherto beheld, roused in my people
some strong feelings ; and though they were not apparently those of
fear, yét I have little doubt from subsequent experience, that, had
not Muchunka been with us to inspire the party with confidence in
the peaceable disposition of his countrymen, I should have found
great difficulty in persuading the whole of my men to advance
another step beyond Lobutsàni.
This being the day for receiving their rations of brandy and
tobacco, they requested to have them before we set out, as it was not
likely that I should have leisure for giving them at the usual hour
m thè evening. With this wish I most readily complied ; not
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