be swarming there thick as midges in midsummer; but nothing cared they
now. The only hurt these insects could hereafter do was by their
presence to remind them of the damage already done, recalling dissipated
hopes and expectations. So far as the accursed fly was concerned,
however, it was no longer thought of; and all were full of eagerness to
be back under the mowana. They had pleasant remembrance of the hours
spent beneath its shade, so different from that of the kop, which but
gave them shadow when the sun had either not reached, or passed
meridian. Besides, on the river's banks grew trees of many kinds,
affording edible fruits, some even delicious. No wonder, then, at the
general joy, when it became known they were to move back to the river.
The prospect inspired every one, as it were, with new life; and when the
moving commenced, as on the instant it did, all hastened to lend hand of
help. For there was much work to be done, big burdens to be carried in
the transference of their effects from camp to camp. And it would take
more than one trip ere completed.
The women and children were marched off first, even these carrying loads
proportioned to their strength. And with them went the first batch of
regular carriers, to be followed by another, soon as the packages were
made ready for transport; then another, and so on--all to return again.
Thus down the ten miles of slope between mountain range and river passed
a continuous stream of men bearing burdens, like ants on return to their
hills; the same men soon after going back upward, unweighted, and with
light elastic step. Only the downward journey was accomplished on the
first day, as it was late ere they had commenced it. But on the second
they made the "round trip," and more; three times traversing the space
between the camps.
Not all were of the last party that returned to the hills, only a
certain number needing to go thither now. Most of the effects intended
for removal had been got down on the second day, the waggons alone
remaining in the kloof. Of course these cumbrous vehicles, of no use
now, would be left behind; but not their tilts. These, sure to prove of
good service afterwards, were to be fetched away, and it was chiefly for
them the carriers had come back. The party consisted of half-a-dozen
young Boers, with about twice the number of Caffres and Hottentots, Piet
Van Dorn having charge of it.
The sun had set ere they re-entered the old camp; and as all were fagged
out by the incessant toil of the two days, their thoughts alone dwelt
upon rest and sleep. The return journey, their last, was to be made on
the following morning, and there was no necessity for further work that
night. So they at once betook them to their respective sleeping-places;
the young white men climbing into the waggons, their native attendants,
wrapped in _karosses_ [Note 1] laying themselves along the ground
underneath.
Soon all were buried in a profound slumber; the dismantled camp around
them silent as a cemetery. But it was a silence of short duration.
Scarce had they become unconscious, ere getting awakened by sounds which
robbed them of the power of sleep, if not its desire. For their ears
were saluted with the cries of wild beasts, coming from every side, and
of so many kinds, it seemed as if all the predatory species of Africa
were assembled within the kloof. In point of fact, most were there,
attracted from far and near by the scent of the dead animals, whose
carcasses were now far gone in decomposition. On previous nights there
had been something of the same, though never such a racket as now. Then
fires had been kept burning to frighten the beasts off; but this night
being warm, and the last they were to spend on that spot--tired, too,--
the young men had neglected taking such precaution; imprudently, as all
saw, when startled out of their sleep by the roar of a lion, multiplied
in loud reverberation along the adjacent cliffs. It was but the prelude
of a horrible chorus quick succeeding, in which could be distinguished
the angry "gurr" of the leopard, the spiteful snarl of the cheetah, and
the cat-like miaulling of the serval. Hyenas of different species
alternatively howled, chattered, and laughed, while jackals contributed
their snappish bark to the fear-inspiring din.
Fear-inspiring it was to those freshly awakened; all the more when,
after rubbing their eyes, they looked off, to see a sight which made
their flesh creep, and blood run cold. No wonder. Over the camp-ground
were lions, leopards, and the other sorts, thick as sheep in a pen, in
all attitudes, and every variety of action; some tugging and tearing at
the carcasses, others in dispute about pieces already severed: still
others rushing to and fro in quest of a stray morsel. The moon shining
in full effulgence rendered them distinguishable, almost as by daylight;
while on the still calm air within the kloof, the roaring, growling,
yelping, and howling, all repeated in echo from the cliffs, combined to
make a very Pandemonium.
Fortunate for those who listened that the tilts were still upon the
waggons, with end curtains of strong stuff to draw close--in part
designed for just such a danger. In a trice everybody was inside them--
white, black, and yellow--the flaps pulled to, and all made safe as
might be. Still the situation was one of greatest peril. What if,
after eating the dead animals, the devourers should turn their attention
to the living men, and make a burst through the canvas? The stroke of
lion's paw, or leopard's either, would tear that screen to sheds as
though it were but tissue-paper, and they, concealing themselves under
it, well knew this. But they knew also, that if left unmolested, more
likely the fierce brutes, having filled their bellies, would retire from
the ground, and give no further trouble.
For a time they were so left; but not long. The position was too
ticklish and irksome for continued endurance. The young Boers, deprived
of their rest, and kept in such a stretch of apprehension, soon began to
chafe at it, till their impatience became anger, rendering them
reckless. Besides there was one always eager to distinguish himself as
a hunter, and never might such opportunity occur again. This was Piet
Van Dorn, who at length casting all prudence aside, proposed opening
fire on the enemy. Being chief of the party, and with controlling
power, his proposal was unanimously agreed to; and, in less than five
minutes after, the brutes making such noise over the camp-ground, heard
other noises that were new to them--the cracking of guns--at the same
time saw puffs of smoke, with jets of flame, darting out from the white
covers of the waggons.
Surprise, with some fear, hushed the wild beasts into a momentary
silence; the cowardly _canidae_--hyenas and jackals--scampering off at
the first fire. But the fiercer and more courageous felines kept their
ground, till a second volley had been sent into their midst; then only
moving away with sullen reluctance, some even staying to receive a third
discharge from the death-dealing guns. But of those that thus stayed,
not many got off afterwards. The clear moonlight afforded a fine chance
for sure aim, and the young Boers--all best marksmen--made deadly play
with their roers, scarce missing a shot.
In fine, the camp was cleared of its fierce four-footed invaders, save
those that had fallen. And of these could be counted a goodly array;
four lions, with two lionesses, three leopards, and a couple of
cheetahs!
Their pelts, stripped off the next morning, added to the weight
requiring transport. But the young jagers could make light of this
additional lading, in anticipation of the triumph such spoils would
secure them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. "Kaross." A wrap of blanket size and shape, made of the skins
of wild animals stitched together; they are worn by most of the
uncivilised natives of South Africa. Various sorts of skins are used in
their manufacture; those of the leopard and cheetah, or hunting-leopard,
forming the distinctive garb of a chief.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
WATER-HORSES.
Over a week has elapsed, and the Vee-Boers are still in their old camp
under the baobab. Its appearance is much the same as during their
former occupation of it--that is, the portion inside the laager-fence.
For though the waggons are absent, their arched covers, supported on
short uprights, stand just as they stood, now doing service as tents.
They are the sleeping-places of the women and children, also giving
shelter to such household gods as need the protection of a roof.
To speak of a Vee-Boer having household gods may seem a misnomer, since
he never has a house. Still there are certain Penates he carries about;
the most cherished being a black-letter Bible, large as a volume of the
"Encyclopedia Britannica," in thick leather binding, with brass clasps.
This ponderous tome goes with him, wander where he will; for the South
African Dutchman is strong in the protestation of religion, whatever his
practice of it.
There had been one such Bible in each of the three waggons--the
respective belongings of the families, Van Dorn, Blom, and Rynwald--and,
it need scarce be said, that these sacred volumes were not left behind
in the kloof.
Outside, on the veldt, all is different. The groups of grazing stock
are no more seen there--not a single head; while close to the laager's
edge appears a new feature, a "_hartebeest house_" [Note 1] late
erected. It is for the young whites of the party; the native employes
contenting themselves with such coigns of shelter as are afforded by the
trunks of the mowanas. In these, some have ingeniously hewn out
cavities, large enough to give them lodgment, others having in like
manner utilised the adjacent ant-hills.
All this bespeaks prolonged residence there, and not far off is a
spectacle, showing the reason; telling also they have not been idle in
the interval. Down on the river's bank by the drift is a scene of
greatest activity, where some scores of logs have been collected, and
are being made ready for the timbers of rafts. They are the trunks of
_koker-booms_, [Note 2] each about eleven feet in length, with a
diameter of three. Their top-knots of bayonetlike leaves having been
lopped off, they are now in process of desiccation, by huge fires that
have been kindled around them. When the sap is drawn out, they will be
light as cork wood, just the material required for raft-building.
Jan Van Dorn himself superintends this quaint naval architecture, by
good luck having skilled assistants. As it chances, among the native
employes are two _Macobas_ [Note 3] of Lake Ngami--fugitive from the
tyranny of King Letchoulatebe--who understand all about the various
kinds of craft used in South African inland navigation, and under their
hands the rafts will be properly constructed.
Nor is this the only industry in progress. On the other side of the
camp, out upon the open veldt, a number of the young Boers are busy too,
their work being the conversion of fresh meat into bultong. Strips of
it hang over riems extended between the trees, where these stand thinly,
so as not to shadow it from the sun. It was the same on a former
occasion, but the meat is not the same. Then it was buffalo-beef, which
has been all lost. For at the time of their hurried abandonment of the
place, it was not thought sufficiently cured to be taken along, and it
was their intention to return for it. Unluckily, left hanging too low,
the hyenas and jackals had dragged it down, and devoured it to the last
scrap. The sausage-like strings now replacing it, are the flesh of
elands, and other large antelopes, the carcass of a giraffe having
contributed to the stock. While the raft-builders had been busy with
axe and bill-hook, the hunters were alike industrious in the chase, and
have already laid in a good store of provisions for the proposed voyage.
It may be a long one--how long they cannot tell--and in descending the
rivers they might not easily find subsistence for such a numerous party.
At all events, the precaution is a wise one, and fortune has favoured
them in it, by guiding many wild animals toward the drift; some on their
way to drink, others intending to cross over. They have enough meat now
to last them for weeks--even months--once it becomes bultong; and, to
insure its becoming this of the best, light fires are kept underneath
it, whose gentle heat, with the smoke, assists in the curing process.
Nor are the voyagers to be dependent on an exclusively meat diet. There
are yet left them several bags of meal, both of maize and Caffre-corn
[Note 4]; while, as already said, the trees standing near bear a variety
of edible fruits and nuts, some of which are being added to the intended
"ship's stores." Collecting these is the task of the youngsters; so
all, young and old, have something or other to do. And they are doing
it with all their might and will. For even the youngest now know that
their situation is one of uncertainty and peril; dangers on the spot,
with other dangers ahead, the avoidance of which calls for every
exertion.
Another week has passed, showing much progress made. In short, the
rafts are finished, and afloat on the water. There are three of them,
corresponding to the three families who make up the migrant party. It
was not for this, however, that a trio was constructed; but because of
the stream being too shoal and narrow to admit of a raft large enough to
carry all. That is a thing to be thought of when they reach the great
river below.
Each of the three built has a breadth of beam of some ten to twelve
feet, in correspondence with the length of the koker-booms; whose
trunks, laid side by side, have been firmly lashed together by lianas--
the _Baavian-touw_ [Note 5]. Lengthwise, the rafts are nearly four
times as much, from stem to stern being about forty feet. On what might
be called the quarter-deck of each, one of the waggon-tilts has been
placed on supporting stanchions, and is the cabin. On the fore, also,
is a sort of shed or round house, roofed over with reeds and palm
leaves, for the accommodation of the crew. A huge pile occupies the
main deck, leaving a narrow passage or gangway on either side, for the
polemen and rowers. Over it are spread the skins of wild animals lately
killed, now utilised as tarpaulings, to give protection to a variety of
effects--in short, the general cargo. Amidships, on each raft, is a
little platform of clay, raised some eight or ten inches above the
timber's level. That is the hearth, intended for culinary purposes. In
fine, upon the extreme stern, abaft the cabin of bamboos and canvas, a
long broad-bladed oar, balanced on a pivot, is to do the rudder-work.
At length everything being in readiness for embarking, it was begun
without further delay. Nor was there any in the carrying it out; for,
as with the camp in the kloof, all were now eager to move away from this
one. True, the place had been of some service to them; nevertheless was
it fraught with most unpleasant memories. It was there the tsetse first
assailed their stock to its final and total destruction, not only
beggaring them, but putting their lives in peril. So, almost as
hurriedly as the inhabitants of a burning house flee from the fire, did
they make for the rafts when these were ready to receive them.
The embarkation was accomplished in good order, and without accident.
The cables, which were the old trek-touws of the abandoned waggons,
being hauled in, and the huge structures, one after another, shoved out
to mid-stream, they went gliding gently down.
But they were not the only craft to take departure from that
landing-place; a score of others accompanying them, of a quaintly
curious kind--being _water-horses_. Each consisted of a single trunk of
koker-boom, with a peg of about fifteen inches in length fastened firmly
to it, and standing upright near the fore. Lying flat along the log,
face downwards, rode a naked native--Caffre or Hottentot--with one hand
holding the peg, the other acting partly as an outrigger for balance,
and partly for propulsion. The legs, too, astraddle, and trailing in
the water behind, helped the onward movement, as in swimming; so that
the water-horses could be put to a speed far beyond that of the cumbrous
rafts. Around these their riders darted in high glee, laughing,
shouting, and splashing one another, as a flock of ducks fresh entered
upon a pond.
The purpose of this aquatic cavalry was twofold; in part meant as a
ready means of communication with the banks, and partly to avoid
overcrowding the rafts. Moreover, many of the natives, used to such
navigation, rather liked it; especially that now, under a broiling sun,
it enabled then to dip their bodies at will, and keep them comfortably
cool.
The "water-horse," as described, is often brought into requisition by
the Caffres and other South African natives. They are found of great
service in the crossing of wide rivers, especially when cattle and sheep
have to be got over. Then the water-horsemen guide the animals, and
swimming alongside assist the weaker ones and young calves.
Thus joyously the rafters began their voyage, at its outset to be
treated to a laughable spectacle, as when crossing in flight from the
tsetse. Though they had lost all their quadrupeds, there was still a
creature with them of the animal kind--if a monkey may be so classed.
It was the pet of Katharine Rynwald, but also favoured the Hottentot
guide, Smutz, who, for its young mistress's sake, had been accustomed to
show it kindness. As the odd flotilla moved off, Smutz bestrode one of
the water-horses, and shooting past the foremost raft, on which sate the
young girl with the monkey in her lap, the latter made a long outward
leap, alighting upon his back; then fixing itself firm and square on his
shoulders, there squatted composedly. The two facing in the same
direction, with the round, bullet-like cranium of the Hottentot,
surmounted by that of the monkey, it was as if some water Cerberus, or
double-headed hydra, were conducting the squadron down stream.
But the incident was too comical to be looked upon as an evil omen;
instead, it elicited peals of laughter, with applauding shouts; all
inclined to regard it as the forecast of a prosperous voyage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1. The "Hartebeest-house" is a hut of rude construction, the usual
materials being reeds and grass with a plastering of mud. The name is
derived from a fancied resemblance to the form of the antelope so
called. Hartebeest-houses are common throughout Southern Africa, not
inhabited by natives, but the poorer class of colonists, especially
Vee-Boers when not on the move.
Note 2. The "Koker-boom" is a species of aloe with a short thick trunk.
When well dried the wood is even lighter than cork.
Note 3. The "Macobas" are the boatmen of Lake Ngami. They have
affinity with the Bechuanas; but are of a race and class apart. They
are also of darker complexion.
Note 4. Both Indian corn (_maize_) and Caffre-corn (_Sorghum
Caffrorum_) are cultivated in Southern Africa, and the meal of both is
in common use among the Boers of the Transvaal. The Caffres also grow
large quantities of another species of Sorghum (_S. Saccharatum_) for
the sake of its stem; which they chew, as the negroes of America do
sugar-cane, its juice being equally as sweet.
Note 5. The "Baavian-touw" (_Anglice_, "_baboon-rope_") is a species of
climbing plant, or liana, with long stems and heart-shaped leaves. By
the Boers it is employed as cordage, and for many purposes, this
primitive sort of rope being often convenient, where no other is
obtainable.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
A RIVER RUN OUT.
The stream on which the Vee-Boers had embarked was unknown to all of
them. Even their guide was unacquainted with it, though he had once
accompanied a party of English hunters to a point farther north than
where they now where. By its general direction it should run into the
Limpopo, which river they had crossed some days before, on their trek
northward. But where it joined the latter, and how far below, as also
the character of the stream itself, were questions undetermined.
Nor knew they much more of the Limpopo. Van Dorn had been on it farther
down, at the place where Smutz and the hunting party passed over; but
neither he nor the Hottentot had followed its course for any great
distance. They were acquainted with but ten or fifteen miles of its
course, beyond which all was _terra incognita_ to them, or, as the baas
in his Dutch vernacular expressed it, "verder onbekend."
Thus they had entered on a voyage, whose termination hinged on many
uncertainties, and might be prolonged by many delays, to say nought of
the dangers.
For the first day, however, all went well. The buoyant koker-booms
acted admirably, keeping the decks, with all lading on them, high and
dry. The current, too, while smooth, was sufficiently rapid to give
them good way, without requiring the use of either pole or paddle. All
that needed doing was to keep in mid-stream, on account of its
narrowness, and that was of easy accomplishment with the powerful stern
oars working on their pivots. Large as were the rafts, and heavily
laden, so light were their timbers, that when swirl or side current
threatened to bring them against the bank, the weakest man on board
might be safely entrusted with the steering. Craft of no kind could
have been more obedient to the rudder, a matter of much pride and boast
to the Macobas, who had the credit of their construction.
But, indeed, all the people were in the most exuberant of spirits.
Moving on without any physical exertion--a smooth gliding motion, as on
skates or in a sleigh--was of itself a pleasure, which the continuous
changing of the scenery, with many sights new to them, intensified to
very delight. It was as though they were out on a holiday excursion, or
yachting trip, and for the time they thought not of dangers that might
be before them, while alike oblivious of the perils they had late passed
through.
The enjoyment was general throughout all the day; the water-cavalry
skirmishing around with much shouting and laughter. There was racing
also, with bets made by the young Boers, each laying on his favourite.
In these aquatic contests the Caffres were mostly victorious, though
Smutz ably upheld the honour of the Hottentot race. The Macobas took no
part in them, being on board the rafts, and occupied with their
navigation.
As evening approached the "horse play" came to an end, for now there was
work to be done: the rafts to be brought up to the bank, and made fast
to moorings. To keep drifting on in the dark would be madness itself,
as who could tell what was below? There might be rapids, or worse
danger still--a waterfall. Jan Van Dorn was too cautious to run any
such risk; so, as the twilight began to fling its purple mantle over
stream and bordering woodlands, he called out the command to draw in,
pointing to the spot that appeared best for a landing-place. This was
in a bend where the current was sluggish, and the banks of slight
elevation; for to beach such unwieldy craft in a swift-running stream is
not only a difficulty but a danger. In the present case it was
accomplished without accident; and the three soon lay alongside the
bank, each cabled to a tree, with a gangway plank run out, over which
all swarmed ashore, women, children, and men. Water-travelling was a
novelty to them; and, though not yet irksome, the return to land was
welcome by way of relaxation.
Supper was eaten on shore, though not there cooked, as the culinary
arrangement on the rafts was of a superior order, better than any
improvised affair of the gipsy kind. But what mattered it where the
repast was prepared, so long as it was enjoyable, and enjoyed? which it
was by our voyagers, one and all of them. For one and all were now
hungry, having that day eaten the morgen-maal at a much earlier hour
than usual. It was the last cooked in the ant-hill kitchen-range; since
when long time had passed, and with the fresh, breezy air of the river
their appetites were sharpened to keenness.
Soon as the meal was over all retired to rest, some on board, others
preferring to seek repose on shore, under the trees. It was warm enough
anywhere, and more than enough, the heat not only being a discomfort of
itself, but subjecting them to torture from mosquitoes.