As they were not more than two miles from the wagon, they rode back, and sent the Griquas to bring in the flesh of the animals; Swinton not caring for the skins, as he had already procured some in Namaqua-land, and the weight of them would be so very great for the wagon.  On their return, they had some conversation with the Griquas, who candidly acknowledged that it was very likely that the Matabili king would attempt to cut them off, although they appeared not at all afraid of his making the attempt.  They, however, readily consented to return the next morning.  That night, a messenger arrived to the Matabili chief who was escorting them.  What was the communication of course our travelers could not tell; but their suspicions were confirmed by the behavior of the man.  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 travelers had made up their mind, and traveled back during the whole of that day.  The Matabili dispatched the messenger who had come to him, and who again set off at all speed; at night he urged our travelers 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 Val 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 wagons 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 wagons 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 any thing:  and we can easily join the wagons by daybreak.  We will keep the fires up, to allow them to suppose that we are still encamped, that they may not pursue.”