a more than usual number of
fires were lighted, to keep off the elephants and other wild animals.
The hyenas and wolves were very numerous, and prowled the whole night in
hopes of getting hold of some of the sheep; but as yet there had not
been seen or heard a lion, although an occasional track had been pointed
out by the Hottentots.

When the Hottentots had finished their labour, our travellers had to
wait till the fires were lighted and a sheep killed before they could
have their suppers cooked by Mahomed. Begum, the baboon, had been
released from her confinement since their crossing the 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
gaiety, 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 endeavoured 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 t