.5, 6 March, 1812. 
RECEPTION AT KAABI'S KRAAL. 
47 
]end us one from the kraal ; and immediately they ran up to their 
hut sand fetched one of their own manufacture, made in a neat man- 
ner, of hardened clay, and capable of holding about a gallon and a 
half (The figure of this may be seen at the end of the preceding 
chapter.) This was filled with eland meat ; and our visitors, as might 
be expected, were careful not to be absent at supper time. 
This spot is distinguished among the natives by the name of 
Water-point, implying, as before stated, that it is the point of the 
Hyena Mountains, close to which the river flows. 
6th. My bed, if such it may be called, was made under a bush at 
the distance of a few yards from the spot where my men had their 
fire. I was awoke soon after sunrise, by the voices of a party of eight 
or ten of the natives who passed close at my feet and took their seat 
at the fire, without attempting to disturb me ; as they supposed me 
to be asleep. Others following them immediately, I arose j and as 
soon as I had dressed myself, I went towards them : on which we 
exchanged the usual salutations. 
For the space of half an hour, men, women, and children, of 
all ages, continued descending from the hill, and assembling at our 
station ; till at last we were completely surrounded by a numerous 
crowd. They were all unarmed ; a state in which hitherto I had not 
seen any of this nation ; having remarked that they constantly carried 
with them their hassagay and bows, and never, even when they put 
them out of their hand, layed them beyond their reach. I had, 
indeed, never till this moment, had an opportunity of beholding them 
in their own domestic circle, and at home at their ease. 
I began now to appreciate my singular good fortune, that so many 
favorable circumstances had unexpectedly combined to give me an op- 
portunity of studying and knowing tlie rea/ character of this nation, 
such as seldom, if ever, has fallen to the lot of travellers in these re- 
gions ; and, I believe, never to those whose observations have been laid 
before the public. As a European, I was alone in the midst of their 
hordes, and trusting my life in their hands : I associated with them, and 
by conforming to their ways and customs, yielded apparent respect to 
their prejudices. It was this confidence, which so completely gained 
