HANS LARSEN HIS GKEAT STRENGTH. G9 



but, becoming disgusted with a seafaring life, had a few years 

 previously left his ship, and was now residing somewhere near 

 to Walfisch Bay. 



On visiting Mr. Bam at Scheppmansdorf, that gentleman 

 confirmed to the full all we had been told about Hans, and 

 strongly recommended Mr. Galton to take him into his serv- 

 ice. It was not, however, until our arrival at Richterfeldt, 

 where Hans then resided, that we had an opportunity to make 

 his personal acquaintance. Up to a rather recent period he 

 had been in charge of a herd of cattle, but he was now liv- 

 ing independently on the produce of his live-stock and the 

 spoils of the chase. 



Hans was a fine specimen of the true Northman — fair 

 complexion, light hair, blue eyes ; and, though not above the 

 ordinary stature, he was very muscular, and powerfully built. 

 His strength, indeed, almost e:fcceeded belief. One of his 

 feats was to carry an enormous anvil — which no ordinary 

 man could lift from the ground — with as many persons as 

 could possibly cling to it. On one occasion he had borne 

 from place to place a block of stone which required ten men 

 to lift on to his shoulders ! 



In consequence of his great strength and courage, he was 

 much feared by the natives, who nevertheless took pleasure 

 in teasing him ; but, being of a very quiet disposition, he sel- 

 dom resented their impertinences. One day, however, when 

 they had carried their jokes somewhat too far, he raised his 

 Herculean fist, and with a single blow leveled to the ground 

 the nearest of his tormentors. At first it was thought that 

 the man was killed ; but, fortunately, he was only stunned. 

 On recovering from his stupor he vowed vengeance; but, 

 unable to carry out his purpose alone, he laid his complaint 

 before the chief of the tribe, and a " raad," or counsel, was 

 held. Many were for severe punishment ; but at last, when 

 all the members had spoken, the chief rose and told them 

 that, in his opinion, the ofiense should be passed over, and 



