They constructed
great traps, called `hopos', consisting of two lines of hedges, a mile long,
far apart at the extremities, but converging like the sides of the letter V,
with a deep pit at the narrow end. Then forming a circuit for miles around,
they drove the game - buffaloes, zebras, gnus, antelopes, and the like -
into the mouth of the hopo, and along its narrowing lane,
until they plunged pell-mell in one confused, writhing, struggling mass
into the pit, where they were speared at leisure.
The precarious mode of life occasioned by the long drought interfered sadly
with the labors of the mission. Still worse was the conduct of Boers
who had pushed their way into the Bechuana country. Their theory
was very simple: "We are the people of God, and the heathen are given to us
for an inheritance." Of this inheritance they proceeded to make the most.
They compelled the natives to work for them without pay,
in consideration of the privilege of living in "their country".
They made regular forays, carrying off the women and children as slaves.
They were cowardly as well as brutal, compelling friendly tribes
to accompany them on their excursions, putting them in front as a shield,
and coolly firing over their heads, till the enemy fled in despair,
leaving their women, children, and cattle as a prey.
So long as fire-arms could be kept from the natives the Boers
were sure of having it all their own way. But traders came
in the train of the missionaries, and sold guns and powder to the Bechuanas.
Sechele's tribe procured no less than five muskets. The Boers were alarmed,
and determined to drive missionaries and traders from the country.
In course of time Mr. Livingstone became convinced that
Bibles and preaching were not all that was necessary.
Civilization must accompany Christianization; and commerce was essential
to civilization; for commerce, more speedily than any thing else,
would break down the isolation of the tribes, by making them
mutually dependent upon and serviceable to each other.
It was well known that northward, beyond the desert, lay a great lake,
in the midst of a country rich in ivory and other articles of commerce.
In former years, when rains had been more abundant, the natives
had frequently crossed this desert; and somewhere near the lake
dwelt a famous chief, named Sebituane, who had once lived on friendly terms
in the neighborhood of Sechele, who was anxious to renew the old acquaintance.
Mr. Livingstone determined to open intercourse with this region,
in spite of the threats and opposition of the Boers.
So the missionary became a traveler and explorer. While laying his plans
and gathering information, the opportune arrival of Messrs. Oswell and Murray,
two wealthy Englishmen who had become enamored with African hunting,
enabled him to undertake the proposed expedition, Mr. Oswell agreeing
to pay the guides, who were furnished by Sechele.
