12 
Seven Years in Central Africa. 
[Feb. 
While sitting one evening at the tent door, just after sundown, 
a stranger called on me, introducing himself as the English school- 
master, and after a little conversation he asked me to dine with 
him next day. 
I went, and during conversation he told me of a Mr. Webb 
at present living in Potchefstroom, who had been a Wesleyan 
missionary among the Baralongs. Their country lies west of 
the Transvaal border, and they speak pure Sechuana. I study 
Sechuana with Mr. Webb, and am able, in return, to help him 
in his business. He is very desirous that I should go to the 
Baralongs. 
This is a beautiful country, although at this time it is very hot 
indeed, and a good deal of fever has been raging. The Enghsh 
Church minister who lately came to Potchefstroom, died the 
other day of fever. I had one slight touch of it, which lasted 
only two days ; but on the whole I have enjoyed much better 
health, and am stronger and stouter than I was at home. 
Potchefstroom is a lovely place, with an abundance of fruit. 
The other day I walked to the British Fort just outside the town. 
I was shown the spot where a young soldier fell, who had been 
found sleeping whilst on duty in the trenches, and was con- 
demned to be shot. Rather than be killed by his own country- 
men, he jumped upon the parapet, and was immediately shot 
down by the Boers. If our Captain so treated His sleeping 
soldiers, who would stand? How gentle are His words when 
He found them sleeping for sorrow, " Why sleep ye ? " 
FATE OF A NATIVE TRIBE. 
Klerksdorp, February 6th, 1882. — You see I am on the move. 
The war of the Boers with the Baralongs has gone, so far, against 
the natives. I was told by Captain F , of the Transvaal 
Horse, who had just returned from that part, that the tribe was 
virtually broken up, and that their country would be given to 
the Boers who assisted. This put an end to any thought of 
my going there. I afterwards heard that the Wesleyans, at a 
recent conference, had decided to send a missionary to the 
Baralongs again; but, of course, as the tribe has been broken up, 
their decision comes to nothing. I waited on God for guidance, 
and was as willing to remain in Potchefstroom as to go on to 
