noon
Hendricks , however , did not let his people remain idle . They were employed in repairing or strengthening the harness , cutting thongs , collecting fuel , and doing other odd jobs , while he and Umgolo went out with their guns in search of a pallah or other game . Crawford and his younger companions amused themselves in camp , for the heat was too great to enjoy exercise . Before noon the horses were brought back , and the hunters returning with a springboc , no time was lost in inspanning , and the waggon proceeded on at a faster pace than usual , to make up for lost time . A drift or stream was forded , the waggon sticking as it reached the opposite bank , and much more time was lost in dragging it up , as the oxen obstinately refused to pull all together . In vain the Hottentot boys rushed in among them , endeavouring by soft blandishments to induce them to move . The Kaffirs swore in strange-sounding tones , and Denis flew here and there , poking one , lashing another , hauling at the head of a third , his example being followed by the other Englishmen .