344 A LION GOES TO CHUKCH MEET MR. REID. 



for at the report of the gun he instantly betook himself to 

 cover." 



On another occasion, when the missionary wagon was on 

 its road to Walfisch Bay, a lion sprang unexpectedly into 

 the midst of the sleeping party, which was bivouacking, at 

 the time, on the banks of the Kubakop River. One of Piet's 

 sons, who was present, picked up his gun from the ground ; 

 but, in order to prevent the dew from injuring it, he had 

 wrapped his waistcoat round the lock, and in the hurry he 

 was unable to disengage the garment. Finding, however, 

 that the lion was just about to lay hold of him, he held out 

 the piece and fired at random, but fortunately with deadly 

 effect. 



Once a lion found his way into the church at Richterfeldt ! 

 The alarm being given, the Damaras, assegai in hand, rush- 

 ed to the spot, and, seizing him by the tail and ears, dragged 

 him bodily out of the sacred edifice. The poor brute was 

 actually dying from starvation, and offered but a very feeble 

 resistance. I saw his skin. 



At Barmen I was obliged to leave Mr. Rath's cattle ; but, 

 by the assistance of Mr. Hahn's wagon-driver, who, on rea- 

 sonable terms, lent me half a dozen first-rate oxen, I was able 

 to prosecute my journey. On arriving at Eikhams I met 

 my friend Reid, who had been very successful in the disposal 

 of his stock in trade. I saw Jonker ; but, though he was 

 civil and obliging, the constant forfeiture of his word had dis- 

 gust'ed me, and I felt compelled to treat him with great cool- 

 ness and reserve. 



Before leaving Eikhams, an accident occurred that might 

 have ended seriously. A half-cast native lad, whom Eye- 

 brecht had placed at my disposal, was the occasion of it. 

 Though a shrewd youth, he was cursed with a passionate 

 temper. The Namaquas had been teasing him for some time, 

 when, suddenly unfolding his clasp-knife, he threatened to 

 stab the nearest man, but was quickly deprived of the deadly 



