1812. PRECAUTIONS. — THE HOTTENTOT AND ELAND. 391 
Mollemmi soon returned, with Molaali and several others ; and as I 
considered that whatever I did would amuse them, I took out my 
journal to record a few facts and occurrences as they passed. When- 
ever I wrote, the spectators watched the motion of my hand with 
great attentiveness, and several of them evidently comprehended the 
nature and intention of what I was doing. 
When they had seen enough of writing to give them as clear a 
notion of it as they were capable of, several, and more particularly 
Mollemmi, became very desirous of knowing what was concealed 
behind the canvas partition which parted off the sleeping-place from 
that end of the waggon at which we were sitting ; and although it 
was explained to them that it was the place where I slept, and that 
there was nothing in it but my bedding, they would hardly believe 
me till some of them had taken a peep behind the curtain. 
I had been previously aware that this place would be examined, 
and had taken care at night to put into the chests upon which my 
bedding lay, every thing which they were likely to covet, or which 
might excite particular attention. Little therefore was visible but 
such objects as were familiar, or well-known, to them ; unless it was 
some few articles of which I could not avoid making open use. 
Similar precautions are of the highest importance to a European 
traveller in these countries ; but they require at the same time, to be 
so managed as not to excite any suspicion of concealment ; as such 
suspicion might in some cases be more dangerous than an open 
exposure of every thing; because, when once raised, it generally 
leads the natives to imagine more riches to be concealed, than there 
are in reality. 
To pass away the time and give me opportunities of seeing 
more of their character, I exhibited some drawings of animals, which 
I had made on the journey. I found them quick of apprehension 
and far superior in this respect to the Bushmen : they instantly knew 
what objects my sketches were intended to resemble. One of these 
drawings represented a Kanna (Eland) and a Hottentot in the attitude 
of shooting it. With this subject they were excessively delighted ; 
and expressed their satisfaction by such loud laughter, that Mattivi 
