AFRICA. 327 
nation which I had been afTured was the onlr 
one among the Hottentots that pracli ed femi- 
caftration. Their horde was fix leagues dif- 
tant on our left, to the louth-eaft ; and they 
were going to viik lome hoxdes of the greater 
Nimiquas. But when they heard of our ad- 
venture with the Eoiliincn, they imagined 
thefe freebooters would Rill remain in the field 
for feveral days to annoy me on my march, 
and that it would not be prudent for them to 
continue their journey. Accordingly they re- 
folved to return. 
As I had been attacked the preceding night, 
and, having ftill two nights to pafs before I 
could reach my camp, had reafon to fear I 
Ihould be attacked again, I thought I fliould 
ad wifely by altering my courfe, and accom- 
panying the Gheyffiquas to their horde. By 
this oblique march, I might deceive the Bofli- 
men, and throw them off their fcent ; and if, 
notwithftanding the darknefs of the night, 
they difcovered my (Iratagem and perceived x 
my fteps, I had reafon to imagine they would 
ceafe to follow, or at leaft not venture to 
approach me, when fupported by a numerous 
Y 4 horde. 
