176 TRAVELS IN 
they approach them. When the Hottentots 
live amongft them, it is very rare that they do 
not become monfters. This affertion, how- 
ever mortifying it may be, is neverthelefs a 
true principle, which is fcarcely hable to one 
exception. When to the northward of the 
Cape I found myfelf under the tropic, among 
remote nations ; when I faw whole hordes 
furround me with figns of furprife, and of the 
moft childifh curiofity, and, approaching me 
with confidence, ftroke m.y beard, my hair, and 
my face with their hands — " I have nothing 
" to fear from thefe people," faid I to myfelf ; 
" this is the firft time they ever faw a white 
" man. 
I have entered into this digreflion with the 
greater readinefs, as it is of fome importance 
to fix the reader s attention to this part, which 
Is the moft interefting of all my excurfions and 
travels. I eagerly return to it; and I always 
experience a new pleafure in relating thefc 
fimple but delightful adventures. 
The whole horde, who could with difficulty 
feparate from me, accompanied me as far as the 
river Louri, four leagues from the Gamtoos ; 
where we flopped to take leave of our good 
friends, and to regale them with fome glafTes of 
brandy, 
