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Updated: May 11, 2025
Alexander and the Major set off with Bremen, Swanevelt, and Omrah on horseback, while the Caffres on foot kept well up with them. The other Hottentots were ordered to remain with Swinton at the encampment, as they had to repair the damages done to the wagons in crossing the mountains.
That it was the work of little Omrah there was no doubt, for Big Adam had not forgotten the former trick the boy had played him, and had more than once, when he caught the boy, given him a good cuffing. Big Adam was on the ground, dragged away by two of the largest dogs.
"I thought at one time that the baboons had an idea that Omrah was one of them. What a snatch they made at him!" "It would not have been the first time that these animals have carried off a boy," said Swinton; "I saw one at Latakoo, who had lived two years with the baboons, which had carried him off." "How did they treat him?" "Very well indeed; but they kept him a prisoner.
As soon as they had got on their legs again, and caught the bridles of their horses, they looked round, but could not distinguish the giraffe, which was out of sight among the mimosa-trees; while Omrah was very busy picking up their rifles, and laughing in a very disrespectful manner. The Major and Alexander soon joined in the laugh. No bones were broken, and the horses had received no injury.
Alexander, Bremen, and Omrah did the same, and they followed the lion, which stood at bay under the mimosas, measuring the strength of the party, and facing them in a most noble and imposing manner.
"What shall we do now?" said the Major. "We must trust to Omrah," replied Swinton, "he knows the habits of his people well, and they will not deceive him."
Omrah, who now understood English, although he spoke but few words, gave a nod of the head and went off to the wagon for the Major's rifle. As soon as the horses were ready, our travelers set out in chase of the gnoos and quaggas, which were collected to the westward of the caravan.
"I think we are clear of them now," said the Major; "they have evidently fallen into the trap proposed by that clever little fellow, Omrah." "He is a very intelligent boy," observed Alexander, "and, traveling in this country, worth his weight in gold." "I wish Swinton would make him over to me," said the Major; "but, Alexander, do you observe what a change there is already in the country?"
"I fear that some day he will kill Omrah, or do him some serious injury; the boy must be cautioned," said Alexander.
Alexander, the Major, and Omrah, who were the best mounted, immediately set off in pursuit of them, desiring Swinton to proceed with the caravan, and they would drive on the cattle and join him. They galloped off as well as the horses could gallop, and perceived the stray horses and oxen still at full speed, as if they were chased by the lions.
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