Part 1 (1/2)
Adventures of Hans Sterk
by AW Drayson
PREFACE
In the history of colonisation there is probably no exaration from the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1835, of nearly six thousand souls, ithout guides or any definite knowledge of where they were going or what obstacles they would encounter, yet placed their all in the lottery and journeyed into the wilderness
The cause of this erants considered the oppression of the ruling Government, and the object was to found an independent nationality in the interior of Africa
These ehbourhood of the Cape colony, were attacked by the chief of a powerful tribe called the Matabili, into whose country they had trespassed Severe battles, in which overwhelht by the e victory to the white man
Not satisfied with the situation which these victories rants journeyed on towards the east, in order to obtain a better position near the present district of Natal This party were shortly afterwards either treacherously aan, or were co many months
It istale passed--scenes which brought out , and perseverance rarely equalled in any part of the world
Around the bivouac fire, or in the ride over the far-spreading plains, or whilst resting after a successful hunting track in the tangled forest, the principal events of this tale have been recorded Frorant and Hottentot driver, we have had various accounts, each varying according to the peculiar views of the relater, but all agreeing as regards the main facts here blended and interwoven into a tale
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO THE HUNTERS--DEATH OF THE LION--DISCOVERY OF THE ELEPHANTS BY HANS STERK
Near the outskirts of a far-extending African forest, and close beside some deep shady-pools, the only re su, shortly after sunset, a party of some ten men; bronzed workmen-like fellows they were too, their dress and equip the on the turf, s touch to their rifles and s A this party there were two blackfellohose cal eyes, proclaiy One tiny yellow roup on account of his sht, whereas all his co, and several s as their contents hissed and bubbled The white men who composed this party were Dutch South African Boers, ere rounds of the Elephant, in order to supply the to them a source of considerable wealth
”It will soon be very dark,” exclaimed Bernhard, one of the Boers, ”and Hans will have difficulty in finding our lager; I will go on to the headland and shoot”
”You may leave Sterk to take care of himself,” said Heinrich, another Boer, ”for no man is less likely to lose hio and shoot at all events,” said Bernhard, ”for it can do no harh Hans is quick and keen, watchful and careful, heor the darkness, and he does not well know this country”
With this excuse for his proceeding, the un, and ascended a krantz which overhung the resting-place of his party, when, having reached the suround, and fired both barrels in quick succession This is a co understood to ht is where the double shot is fired fro no reply to this double shot, Bernhard returned to his co meal
”So your sweetheart did not reply to you, Bernhard,” said one of the Boers, ”though you did speak so loudly”
”Hans Sterk is ood and true,” replied Bernhard; ”and no ht, Bernhard, stand to your friends, and they will stand to you; and Hans is a good friend to all, and few of us have not been indebted to hiood turn or other; but what is Te?”
At this remark, all eyes were directed towards one of the Kaffirhis erly into the forest near, whilst his dark co fixedly in the saht to observe this bronzed son of the desert at home and on the watch, for he did seem at home a, he raised his hand, and in a lohisper said, ”Leuew, Tao,” (the Dutch and Matabili names for a lion) ”Leuew!” exclaimed each Boer, as he seized his weapons, which were close at hand and stood ready for an eency
”Make up the fire, Piet,” said Heinrich: ”let us illurass and sticks thrown on the fire caused a brilliant flahted up the branches and creepers of the ancient forest
As the flarowl came from the underwood in the forest, which at once indicated to the hunters that the Kaffir's instincts had notin the bush near
”Fire a shot, Karl,” said one of the Dutchmen; ”drive him aith fear; wethe brushwood, fired Ae roar was audible, as the lion, thus disturbed, moved sullenly away from what he had expected would have been a feast; whilst the hunters, hearing him retreat, proceeded without any alarm with theirin their eating to listen, and to watch the neighbouring bush
The sun had set about three hours, and the moon, a few days past the full, had risen; whilst the Boers, having finished theiron the ground as calh they were each in a comfortable bed The Kaffirs, however, were still quietly but steadily eating, and conversing in a low tone, scarcely above a whisper
”The lion will not leave us during the night,” said the Kaffir called Tembili, ”I will not sleep unless you watch, 'Nquane”