19^ TRAVELS IN 
mandant and his party, with whom they were to remain in a 
state of servitude during their hves. Such as have been taken 
very young and well treated, generally became very excellent 
servants ; many have shewn great talent, great activity, and 
great fidelity. But an opposite treatment has been produc- 
tive of a contrary effect ; and the brutal conduct of the 
i3utch farmers towards those in their employ is but too gene- 
ral. The poor Hottentot bears it with patience, or sinks under 
it ; but on the temper and the turn of mind of the Bosjesman 
it has a very different effect. He takes the first opportunity 
that offers of escaping to his countrymen, and contrives fre- 
quently to carry off with him a musquet, and powder and 
bail. With tales of cruelty he excites them to revenge; he 
assists them in their plans of attack ; tells them the strength 
of the whole district, and of individuals ; the number of their 
cattle, and the advantages and the dangers that will occur in 
the attempt to carry them off ; puts them in possession of the 
manner in which expeditions are conducted against them ; 
and, in short, of every thing he knows respecting the colonists. 
Armed with musquets and poisoned arrows, a party of these 
people was bold enough, a few days before we commenced 
our journey, to approach within four or five miles of the 
Drosdy, from whence they carried off several hundred sheep. 
They were followed into a kloof of one of the mountains of 
Sneuwberg, where they remained in possession of their plun- 
der, laughing at their pursuers, and inviting them to approach 
and taste a little of their own mutton. One of them fired a 
musquet, the ball from which grazing the hat of a peasant, 
caused the pursuing party to make a precipitate retreat. 
