TRAVELS IN 
did not fall to damp my courage ; and though 
I affumed externally an air of tranquillity, and 
talked to my companions in a tone of cheerful- 
nefs, I was inwardly a prey to the moR tor- 
rnenting refledions. Swanepoel, better ac- 
quainted with my charader and difpofition, 
and poffeffing alfo more penetration than my 
dear Klaas, came to me to make a v^ry fatal 
propofition, which was that of leaving behind 
me another of my vehicles. " Your teame^" 
faid he, " are reduced to a ftate of debility, 
which requires that you fhould be as fparing 
*^ of them as pofiible. Notwithftanding our 
" cares to diminiih the luggage, ftill, if they 
have two v\^aggons to draw, 1 iear that before 
to-morrow night not a fmgle ok will re- 
" main alive. In that cafe what will become 
of us? We are not far from the diftrid of 
" Klaas Bafter, the man pointed out by Colo- 
nel Gordon as likdy to be of ufe to us. Go 
in purfuit of him, continuing your journey 
with one vv^aggon only. As you proceed^ 
difpatch your people different ways through 
the country ; and if you are fo happy as to 
find him, fend us affiftance. Give me only 
' ' four men, and I will be anfwerable not only 
