Seven Years in South Africa, Volume 2

Departure from Dutoitspan -- Crossing the Vaal -- Graves in the Harts River valley -- Mamusa -- Wild-goose shooting on Moffat's Salt Lake -- A royal crane's nest -- Molema's Town -- Barolong weddings -- A lawsuit -- Cold weather -- The Malmani valley -- Weltufrede farm.

I was now standing on the threshold of my real design. After three years spent upon the glowing soil of the dark continent, the scene of the endurances and the renown of many an enthusiast, I had now arrived at the time for putting into execution the scheme I had projected. My feelings necessarily were of a very mingled character. Was I sufficiently inured to the hardships that could not be separated from the undertaking? Could I fairly indulge the hope of reaching the goal for which I had so long forsaken home, kindred, and friends? The experience of my two preliminary journeys made me venture to answer both these questions without misgiving. I had certainly gained a considerable insight into the nature of the country; I had learned the character of the contingencies that might arise from the disposition of the natives and their mode of dealing, and I had satisfied myself of the necessity as well as the comfort of having trustworthy associates on whom I could rely. Altogether I felt justified in commencing what I designed to be really a journey of exploration. At the same time I could not be otherwise than alive to the probability that some unforeseen difficulty might arise which no human effort could surmount.