3o6 TRAVELS IN 
prior to that period, an Englifh veflel had 
been fhipwrecked on the coaft ; that being 
driven on fhore, a part of the crew had fallen 
into the hands of the CafFres, who had put 
them all to death, except a few women, whom 
they had cruelly referved ; and that all thofe 
who had efcaped led a wandering life on the 
coaft, or In the forefts, where they muft foon 
perifh in mifery. Among thefe unfortunate 
people, there were faid to be feveral French 
officers, prifoners of war, w^ho had been put 
on board in order to return to Europe. 
This diftreffing intelligence gave me great 
uneafinefs; and, after all the information which 
thefe people could communicate, I judged that, 
by proceeding fifty leagues to the eaftward of 
the fpot where I was, I fl:iould arrive at the 
veflel. I therefore formed a thoufand projeds 
in my mind, and invented a thoufand dif- 
ferent fchemes for affifting thefe unfortunate 
people, vv^hofe fituation was fo deplorable : 
but all my Hottentots revolted againft my 
propofal ; and neither prayers nor threats 
could have any influence over them. The 
recital of this adventure had made very dif- 
ferent impreffions on them. A fudden ru- 
mour was fpread throughout my whole camp; 
and 
