AN UNLUCKY DAY. 161 



when I remember that the Hottentots, who 250 

 years ago held sway in this vast territory, are 

 now, as a race, absolutely demoralised by strong 

 drink ; that out of their numbers probably more 

 than fifty per cent, are at the present time in a 

 greater or less degree drunkards ; when I reflect 

 that drink forms the unhappy beginning and the 

 miserable end of the story of their intercourse with 

 the white man ; when, too, I see a magnificent 

 race like the Kaffirs falling before the same evil 

 influences, I feel sick at heart, and heartily wish 

 every barrel of the filthy poison sold to these 

 poor people a hundred fathoms deep beneath 

 the ocean. 



Having entered the " winkel," Jackson forthwith 

 flung himself down on the top of an empty cask, 

 and having ordered him some bottled beer and 

 some sardines and biscuits, I followed the store- 

 keeper into his inner sanctum, there to refresh 

 myself and look at some Kaffir curios. Having 

 finished a bottle of Bass, I came out into the store 

 again, and there found Jackson discussing a third 

 glass of "square-face" (Hollands), in succession 

 to the beer I had paid for. This would not do at 

 all, for I knew his head was anything but strong, 

 and I had to get him home. Alas ! the mischief 

 was done, as I found to my cost later on. Jackson 

 now lay down for a nap before we started, and 

 I lighted a pipe, chatted to the store-keeper, and 

 went out to have a look at his ostriches. In about 

 three-quarters of an hour I roused Jackson, and 

 prepared to set off homewards, for it was now four 

 o'clock. I wanted to take a little' treat home for 

 Mrs. H., our hostess, and I therefore bought half 



ii 



