CHAPTER XV.
In conversation with the Ovambo, we learned that Nangoro's werft was distant at least a fortnight's steady travel. We therefore felt anxious for the speedy return of the trading parties, in order that we might prosecute or journey; but they tarried longer than we had expected. By degrees, however, they reassembled at Tjopopa's werft, having brought about two hundred head of cattle, the result of their trade.
On the 22d of May Chikor'onkombè, their leader, announced that every thing was in readiness for a start; and, as we ourselves had long been prepared, the caravan set out that very afternoon.
We bivouacked at one of Tjopopa's cattle-posts, only a few hours' journey from Okamabuti, and had just finished dinner, when all at once our people rushed toward the fire with cries of "Ongeama! ongeama!"
And so it was. A lion had, it seems, been crouched in the bush within twenty paces of our camp, in readiness to spring on the cattle that were scattered about; but as one of the men who was in search of fuel had fortunately discovered him, the beast retreated. He was evidently much dis-
