There was the snow-white cap, with its "fore-clap" and "after-clap," and its inside pockets, all complete; and the wheels neatly carved, and the well planed boxing and "disselboom" and the strong "trektow" of buffalo-hide.
Nothing was wanting that ought to be found about a wagon.

It was, in fact, the best part of the field-cornet's property that remained to him,--for it was equal in value to all the oxen, cattle, and sheep, upon his establishment.
While Swartboy, assisted by Hendrik, was catching up the twelve yoke-oxen, and attaching them to the disselboom and trektow of the wagon, the "baas" himself, aided by Hans, Totty, and also by Truey and little Jan, was loading up the furniture and implements.

This was not a difficult task.

The _Penates_ of the little kraal were not numerous, and were all soon packed either inside or around the roomy vehicle.
In about an hour's time the wagon was loaded up, the oxen were inspanned, the horses saddled, and everything was ready for "trekking." And now arose the question, _whither_?
Up to this time Von Bloom had only thought of getting away from the spot--of escaping beyond the naked waste that surrounded him.
It now became necessary to determine the direction in which they were to travel--a most important consideration.
Important, indeed, as a little reflection showed.

They might go in the direction in which the locusts had gone, or that in which they had _come_?
On either route they might travel for scores of miles without meeting with a mouthful of grass for the hungry animals; and in such a case these would break down and perish.
Or the travellers might move in some other direction, and find grass, but not water.