CAFFER FAIR. 7 



of Eblis, fell infinitely short, to my imagination, com- 

 pared with the realities before me. It was, indeed, 

 a most seasonable relief amidst the bewildering 

 fancies of the moment, to hear the gratifying sound 

 of " All's well" from the sentries on the outposts of 

 the fort, which imparted to the mind a feeling of 

 security and composure that, as may he well con- 

 ceived, was truly welcome. 



In the morning I waited on the Commandant of 

 the fort, whom I had known in Cape Town, and 

 acquainted him with my intention of proceeding into 

 Cafferland. He received me with great politeness, 

 and accompanied me round the fair, which had now 

 commenced. It was supposed there must have been 

 more than three thousand Gaffers assembled on this 

 occasion, and amongst them were many of their 

 chiefs, to whom the Commandant introduced me as 

 his friend, telling them that I was about to visit their 

 country. Botuman, an old captain under Gaika, 

 said most good-humouredly, that he should be glad 

 to see me, and would kill an ox on my arrival at his 

 kraal, a mode of evincing the most cordial hospitality. 



The method of bartering at this fair between the 

 respective traders is thus conducted : the Caffer who 

 has articles to dispose of sits down amidst his com- 

 rades, awaiting the approach of a colonial dealer, 

 who produces his beads and other species of traffic. 

 Although neither party understands the other's lan- 

 guage, it seldom happens that an interpreter is pre- 



