70 TRAVELS IN 
horfe, and hired a Hottentot, who conduced 
me to the moft fecret recefles. My hoft him- 
felf, as well as his two fons, affifted me greatly 
in my refearches : on the leaft fign, they an- 
ticipated my wiflies ; and I might have almoft 
faid that they were under my command. I 
never beheld thefe worthy people ^without 
aftoniihment, mixed with admiration. Be- 
fides thefe, the good Slaber had alfo three 
daughters, whofe perfons and figure were 
really very engaging. The w^hole family 
made a noble appearance ; they were all fix 
feet in height. 
The two weeks granted me by friendfhip> 
with fo much difficulty, I improved to the 
beft advantage ; and my whole time was di- 
vided between fhells, plants, and hunting : 
the latter, above all, which was my ruling 
paffion, continually expofed me to the 
greateft dangers ; and acquired me a reputa- 
tion for intrepidity, which was fpread to the 
diftance of ten leagues around. 
One evening, having returned very early, 
I found waiting for me at our houfe one of 
the inhabitants, named Smit, a perfon with 
v/hom I was not acquainted. He had come to 
