Fish River, and as usual,
when they sat down, came and made one of the party, generally creeping
in close to her master until supper was served, when she would have her
finger in every dish, and steal all she could, sometimes rather to their
annoyance.

Our little Bushman had now quite recovered not only his strength but his
gayety, and was one of the most amusing little fellows that could be met
with.

He could not make himself understood except to one or two of the
Hottentots; but he was all pantomime, trying, by gestures and signs, to
talk to Mr. Swinton and his companions. He endeavored to assist Mahomed
as much as he could, and appeared to have attached himself to him, for
he kept no company with the Hottentots. He was not more than three feet
and a half high, and with limbs remarkably delicate, although well made.
His face was very much like a monkey's, and his gestures and manners
completely so; he was quite as active and full of fun. The watch had
been set as soon as the fires were lighted; and close to where Alexander
and the others were seated, Big Adam, the Hottentot we have mentioned as
having raised doubts in the mind of the Major as to his courage, had
just mounted guard, with his gun in his hand. Omrah came up to where
they were sitting, and they nodded and smiled at him, and said, "How do
you do?" in English.

The boy, who had already picked up a few sentences, answered in the same
words, "How do you do?" and then pointing to Big Adam, whose back was
turned, he began making a number of signs, and nodding his head; at last
he bent down, putting his arm in front of him, and raising it like an
elephant's trunk, walking with the measured steps of that animal, so as
fully to make them Understand that he intended to portray an elephant.

Having so done, he went up behind Big Adam, and gave a shriek so
exactly like that which the elephant had given an hour before, that the
Hottentot started up, dropped his musket, and threw himself flat on the
ground, in order that the supposed animal might pass by him unperceived.

The other Hottentots had been equally startled, and had seized their
muskets, looking in every direction for the approach of the animal; but
the convulsions of laughter which proceeded from the party soon told
them that there was nothing to apprehend, and that little Omrah had been
playing his tricks. Big Adam rose up, looking very foolish; he had just
before been telling his companions how man