216 THE GEEAT THIRST LAND. 



times by day, but more frequently in our dreams at 

 night; and wben man is about to be summoned to his 

 last parade, and before the spirit leaves its earthly home, 

 I have no doubt that even then he will think of the 

 village church, associated with the dear ones of his 

 youth. 



I would not have been deprived of paying a visit to 

 this unpretending edifice for anything, but it must be 

 done alone ; for there are actions in our life that we 

 would prefer human eye not to witness. At the porch, 

 humble in spirit, I took off my cap and entered. 

 There was the same solemnity, the same rest, the 

 same peace so familiar at home. No living creature 

 was to be seen except two beautiful birds, about 

 the size of doves, that had built their nest among the 

 rafters, fitting tenants for so pure and sacred an abode. 

 I knelt by the altar and asked for myself a blessing ; 

 when I rose to go forth I inwardly knew that the 

 watchful guardianship of the Almighty was over this 

 church, although it was truly in the uttermost parts 

 of the earth. I afterwards made the acquaintance 

 of Mr. Carter, the clergyman, who showed me much 

 attention and kindness. That his heart is in his work 

 is abundantly proved by the comparative life of exile 

 this good man is leading. 



An explorer's or hunter's wagon is always a favourite 

 lounging-place for those who have spare time on their 

 hands : thus I have constantly a levee of Boers around 

 me. One wants to buy a gun, another ammunition or 

 drugs. They will not listen to my explanation that 

 I am not a trader all men are traders in their eyes. 

 Thus you are pestered till you get cross, and then they 

 get cross, when they invariably tell me the same story, 



