26th January, 1873.—­I arranged to go to our next River Luena, and ascend it till we found it small enough for crossing, as it has much “Tinga-tinga,” or yielding spongy soil; but another plan was formed by night, and we were requested to go down the Loou.  Not wishing to appear overbearing, I consented until we were, after two hours’ southing, brought up by several miles of Tinga-tinga.  The people in a fishing village ran away from us, and we had to wait for some sick ones.  The women are collecting mushrooms.  A man came near us, but positively refused to guide us to Matipa, or anywhere else.

The sick people compelled us to make an early halt.

27th January, 1873.—­On again through streams, over sponges and rivulets thigh deep.  There are marks of gnu and buffalo.  I lose much blood, but it is a safety-valve for me, and I have no fever or other ailments.

28th January, 1873.—­A dreary wet morning, and no food that we know of near.  It is drop, drop, drop, and drizzling from the north-west.  We killed our last calf but one last night to give each a mouthful.  At 9.30 we were allowed by the rain to leave our camp, and march S.E. for two hours to a strong deep rivulet ten feet broad only, but waist deep, and 150 yards of flood all deep too.  Sponge about forty yards in all, and running fast out.  Camped by a broad prairie or Bouga.

29th January, 1873.—­No rain in the night, for a wonder.  We tramped 1-1/4 hour to a broad sponge, having at least 300 yards of flood, and clear water flowing S.W., but no usual stream.  All was stream flowing through the rushes, knee and thigh deep.  On still with the same, repeated again and again, till we came to broad branching sponges, at which I resolved to send out scouts S., S.E., and S.W.  The music of the singing birds, the music of the turtle doves, the screaming of the frankolin proclaim man to be near.

30th January, 1873.—­Remain waiting for the scouts.  Manuasera returned at dark, having gone about eight hours south, and seen the Lake and two islets.  Smoke now appeared in the distance, so he turned, and the rest went on to buy food where the smoke was.  Wet evening.

FOOTNOTES: 

[26] Bange or hemp in time produces partial idiotcy if smoked in excess.  It is used amongst all the Interior tribes.

[27] Isaiah i. 8.

CHAPTER XI.