

SPEAK OF A MAN AS YOU FIND HIM. 



do, and come in contact with them, I feel convinced 

 you will indorse what I have just said. 



Pray pardon my digression. Even Captain Jansen 

 found his task much more difficult than anticipated ; 

 but on the second evening he informed me that he 

 could procure a man, one who spoke English, under- 

 stood horses and firearms, the latter particularly 

 well, possibly a little too well. 



" What do you mean, my friend ? " 



" Just what I say, possibly a little too well," 

 Captain Jansen replied. 



" Explain, pray do." 



"Well, then, I will," he answered. "This 

 fellow, if report speaks true, has the blood of more 

 than one white man on his hands. I have only 

 known him for a few years, and since he has been 

 with my people he has behaved himself; but every 

 one dislikes him ; more, all fear him. No, you 

 must not think of taking him ; I regret now that 

 he was mentioned." 



" But I have no choice ; either I must secure him 

 or I fail. The devil, you know, is not always as black 

 as he is painted. Pray send for him to-night, so 

 that I can speak with him in the morning, my 

 friend. I will hear no refusal ; I will take all risks ; 

 so send for him, let me beg of you." 



At sunrise my future follower was in attendance. 

 Our interview was brief. Providence had certainly 

 favoured me if I could gain this man's affection, for 



