NATIVE NEOPHYTES. 205 



ment?" "Yes;" lie rejoined, "and always will, 

 for wherever there are Caffers there are thieves." 

 This old man with his family had left one of the 

 Missionary Stations in the Colony, and seemed to be 

 the head of his party. He expressed himself san- 

 guine of being eventually prosperous, provided the 

 Caffers could be kept at a distance, much annoyance 

 and injury having been hitherto experienced from 

 their nocturnal depredations. This, however, was 

 to be expected in consequence of their recent expul- 

 sion from the land of their fathers, now possessed by 

 the Hottentots : nor could it be a matter of wonder 

 that they should seize every occasion of plundering 

 those whom they naturally looked upon as intruders. 

 On the following morning, while our oxen were 

 grazing, we took an opportunity of strolling along the 

 banks of the Kat River, which lies in the vicinity of 

 this settlement; a spot memorable for having once 

 been the scene of the labours of a faithful Missionary, 

 who, amidst a rude and uncivilized people, had here 

 planted the standard of the Cross, and gathering 

 around him a little band of swarthy followers, had 

 taught them that "God is Love." This consolatory 

 truth touching their untutored hearts, had drawn 

 forth many a tear from eyes unused to weep, inciting 

 them to tune their wild gohas to loftier strains than 

 they were wont, and causing the dark and gloomy 

 mountains, by which they were encompassed, to 

 echo back the song of praise. Now, however, all was 



