Indeed, the cattle-kraal still remained and in such good condition that by piling up a few stones here and there on the walls and closing the narrow entrances with thorn bushes, we could still use it to enclose our oxen at night.

This I did for fear lest there should be lions about, though I had neither seen nor heard them.
So the days went by pleasantly enough with lots to eat, since whenever we wanted meat I had only to go a few yards to shoot a fat buck at a spot whither they trekked to drink in the evening, till at last came the time of full moon.

Of this I was also glad, since, to tell the truth, I had begun to be bored.

Rest is good, but for a man who has always led an active life too much of it is very bad, for then he begins to think and thought in large doses is depressing.
Of the fire-eating Umslopogaas there was no sign, so I made up my mind that on the morrow I would start after those elephants and when I had shot--or failed to shoot--some of them, return to Natal.

I felt unable to remain idle any more; it never was my gift to do so, which is perhaps why I employ my ample leisure here in England in jotting down such reminiscences as these.
Well, the full moon came up in silver glory and after I had taken a good look at her for luck, also at all the veld within sight, I turned in.