THE SUSPICIOUS BOOR. 115 



After partaking of some slight refreshment, I hast- 

 ened to deliver a small packet of tea, which I had 

 brought from Beaufort for the proprietor— -an old man, 

 whom I met as I approached his house ; and after the 

 usual salutation of " Dag Mynheer," accompanied by 

 a hearty shake of the hand, I gave him the parcel. 

 He took it, and weighing it in his palm, while he 

 looked rather suspiciously at me, said, that he had 

 written to Beaufort for two pounds of tea, but was 

 sure there could not be more than one in the paper. 

 Stepping into the house he delivered it to his wife, 

 who appeared as much disconcerted as himself at 

 the small size of the packet, and calling a slave 

 to bring the scales, to our mutual satisfaction it 

 was found to be the full weight. The cloud which 

 hung on their countenances at once disappeared, and 

 I was immediately invited with much cordiality to a 

 seat, and plied, according to custom, with numerous 

 questions respecting my domestic affairs, and motives 

 for travelling through the country. 



This farm is situated at the foot of a mountain, 

 in the immediate neighbourhood of a broad stream 

 bearing the name of the Salt River, from the brackish 

 quality of its water. De Plooie and his wife were in 

 very high spirits, in consequence of the abundant 

 rains which had lately fallen and produced a most 

 beneficial effect throughout the country. They were 

 also enabled to enjoy the luxury of a little rain-water, 

 which they appeared to appreciate highly. At this 



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