United States or Pakistan ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Tell them, Swart that we don't believe them." The Bushman did as he was desired, but the Bechuanas only reiterated their previous statement. "What nonsense!" exclaimed Arend. "They take us for such fools as to suppose people can live without water! They have a supply somewhere. We must make a search for it and help ourselves." "No, baas Arend," interposed Swartboy. "Don't do this.
It was not long before all were convinced of the prudent course which Swartboy had counselled them to pursue. Had they insisted on being supplied with water, or made an attempt to take it by force, they would have been disappointed. They would not have been able to find a drop within many miles of the place where more than two hundred people were living.
Swartboy did not think that he leans against the trunk when first taking up his position; but that he seeks the tree for the shade it affords, and as sleep overcomes him he inclines towards it, finding that it steadies and rests him!
When the ground under the scaffold was examined, two of the larger of these ravenous quadrupeds, and one of the smaller, were found to have bitten the dust. Swartboy had discharged his arrow along with the guns, and it was he that had slain the jackal, for the poisoned shaft was seen sticking between the animal's ribs.
"Ah! the springhaan!" cried Von Bloom, recognising the Dutch name for the far-famed migratory locust. The mystery was explained. The singular cloud that was spreading itself over the plain was neither more nor less than a flight of locusts! It was a sight that none of them, except Swartboy, had ever witnessed before.
And, so saying, Swartboy out knife, and set to work upon the carcass. Now this singular-looking animal which Hans called an "aard-vark," and Swartboy a "goup," was neither more or less than the African ant-eater. Although the colonists term it "aard-vark," which is the Dutch for "ground-hog," the animal has but little in common with the hog kind.
But the evening before the field-cornet and his little family were in the full enjoyment of happiness. There was still one hope, though a slight one. Might it yet rain? Or might the day turn out cold? In either case Swartboy said the locusts could not take wing for they cannot fly in cold or rainy weather.
So they moved around the camp and did very little. Swartboy took his elephant's feet from the oven, and cleaned them; and also let down the biltongue and arranged it so as to be better exposed to the sun. Von Bloom himself shot the three remaining horses, having driven them to a good distance from the camp.
"No, baas, better dan shoot, we make him bed den wait see um lie down." Swartboy grinned a laugh as he gave this piece of advice. "Make his bed! what do you mean?" inquired his master. "I tell you, baas, we get da oliphant sure, if you leave da job to ole Swart. I gib you de plan for take him, no waste powder, no waste bullet."
When all was ready, Swartboy again mounted the voor-kist, gathered up his reins, cracked his whip, and set his team in motion. To the delight of every one, the huge heavy-laden wagon moved off as freely as if a full team had been inspanned. Von Bloom, Hendrik, and Hans, cheered as it passed them; and setting the milch-cow and the flock of sheep and goats in motion, moved briskly after.
Word Of The Day