1812. 
AND RETURN. 
385 
they considered, supposing I was not really murdered as Keyser had 
reported, that they were running into more certain danger by desert- 
ing me, than by returning to Litakun. They therefore refused any 
longer to follow Keyser's advice ; especially as, on beginning to 
recover from his panic, he consented to go back with them to the 
town, or as near as they might venture with safety, in order to discover 
whether I, or any of the Hottentots, were still alive. On this, they 
came to within two miles of Litakun, when their fears or doubts 
prevented their advancing farther ; and, as they knew nothing of the 
language, their difficulties were increased by not being able to ask 
any questions of the natives whom they met. Uncertain what step 
to take, they seated themselves under a bush, to consider how they 
were to act, and to watch for an opportunity of gaining some correct 
intelligence. In this situation they were fortunately seen by the 
natives, who afterwards met Philip. 
In coming home with him, they met Platje, who was attending 
my oxen at the river ; and Keyser's fears returning in proportion as 
he approached the town, he could by no argument be persuaded to 
proceed. Therefore he and Andries were left there, as they promised 
that they would come with the cattle in the dusk of the evening. 
This they afterwards did ; but still continued penetrated with fear. 
We had given up the sheep as utterly lost, but here again, con- 
trary to my expectations, they were recovered ; for a man, who also 
called himself a son-in-law of the Chief, having found them straying 
in the plains this morning, brought them safely home to the waggons, 
asking merely a piece of tobacco as payment for his trouble. 
This affair, in spite of our wish to conceal it, was soon made 
known to the Chief and the whole town, who, most unfortunately 
for me, were now convinced that I was accompanied by men who 
would be ready to desert me on the first appearance of danger. 
These people were discerning enough to discover every symptom 
of fear, as soon as it appeared ; and the opinion which they now 
formed, became daily more confirmed by the manners and be- 
haviour of most of my Hottentots, whose unfounded timidity, added 
to the smallness of our number and the circumstance of my being the 
VOL. II. 3d 
