12 
ARTIFICE OF THE SWIMMERS. 
2Y Feb. 
an oblique direction ; so that the point where they landed made an 
angle of about fifty degrees with the point directly opposite to that 
from which they set out. 
Two of my own men who went over with the raft, to the other 
bank, were left there to guard the goods ; and when the others re- 
turned, a glass of brandy to each was found very necessary for 
reviving their courage for another trip. But they had meditated a 
scheme for obtaining payment for their services on their own terms, 
and this they deemed the proper moment for putting it in execution, 
when one half of our goods and two of my best swimmers were on 
one side of the river, and the rest on the other ; for they perceived 
that the raft required a greater number of hands to conduct it, than 
I had with me. I had intended to pay them in tobacco and some 
other useful articles ; but, it seems, they had resolved on having 
gunpowder, which they knew to be a commodity I was not willing 
to spare, as they found from my own Hottentots that I had brought 
with me no more than it was judged we should require for our 
present journey. 
They therefore made their demand, and considering the circum- 
stances in which I stood, I at last consented to pay them what they 
asked, and even more, at my return, when I could better give up my 
ammunition, without risking the lives of my party by rendering our- 
selves defenceless. But as they were too cunning not to know how 
far 1 was in their power, they resolved to be paid on the spot, and 
therefore, without saying any thing further, walked away, as if to return 
to their kraal. My own men, though they felt as much as myself, 
how little we could spare that which was so essentially necessary, 
both for our safety and for procuring food, begged me at all events 
to agree to their terms ; especially as the late hour ' of the day 
admitted of no delay. They immediately ran to inform them of my 
consenting to their terms ; and soon brought them back. They then 
resumed the work, and plunged into the stream with another 
raft-load. 
In the meantime I concerted the arrangements for Gert's return 
with my waggon to Klaarwater, and left with him a goat and some 
