1812. 
TAKING LEAVE AT KLAARWATER. 
231 
was well known to many of the Hottentots here, as he had a son 
living under the protection of one of the famihes ; and whom he 
now owned, though ashamed and displeased at finding that he knew 
much more of the Hottentot language, than of the Dutch. 
At taking leave of their husbands, the two women shed tears, 
as if about to part for ever : and I confess that had I not believed 
in the probability, as well as possibility, of our advancing through to 
the western coast, I would have allowed them to accompany us. I 
promised that I would not take their husbands where there was 
evident danger, and assured them that we should return safe ; but I 
cautioned them not to be uneasy if we remained absent longer than 
we expected, as it was quite uncertain, and depended upon circum- 
stances, whether I should feel disposed to travel as expeditiously as 
possible through these countries, or whether I should proceed only at 
a slow rate. When I told them, they might rely on my taking as 
much care of the men as of myself, and that they should not be 
intentionally exposed to danger, Hannah in her usual manner, re- 
plied with a word, but Truy expressed herself warmly thankful. 
In taking leave of the missionaries, my thanks were due for many 
little civilities : to Mr. Jansz I considered myself indebted for some 
friendly acts, which I have already mentioned ; nor am I less grateful 
for whatever attentions Mr. Anderson or Mr. Kramer thought proper 
to show me : nor do I remember without pleasure, my obligation 
to Mrs. Anderson's kindness. Little was said at parting ; and it 
was not without some emotion, that I finally bade farewell to the 
last Europeans with whom I could possibly converse, for a long 
period. 
As I passed by their huts, several Hottentots were waiting to 
wish me a safe journey, and Dag! Mynheer Bairsey, was their last 
salutation. 
When the waggons had gained the top of the ridge beyond the 
village, Gert earnestly requested me to allow a parting salute to be 
fired, and assured me that he knew the inhabitants would not leave 
it this time unanswered. At first, I deemed it wiser to save my 
