CHAPTER II.

Sand Fountain.—A Lesson to the Natives.—A Present.—News of a Lion.—Scheppmansdorf.—A narrow Escape.—A Missionary’s Establishment.—Native Huts.—Missions.—A Lion Hunt.—Preparations for the Road.—Native Trees.—The Hottentots.—Character of the Country.—Mode of breaking in an Ox.—Arrangement of the Baggage.—A Prosperous Start.—The Swakop.—Night Bivouac.—Labours of the March.—Loss of a Horse and a Mule.—The Lions’ Chase.—Attempt to avenge the Loss.—Animal Food.—The Ghou Damup.—Erongo Mountain.—Intense Heat.—The Tsobis River.—Ride-Oxen.—Native Servants.—Their Cape Town Life.—A Giraffe Hunt.—Change of Country.—An Ostrich Egg.—Approach to Otjimbinguè.—Hans Larsen 24