JOURNEY TO BETHELSDORP. 
47 
usual, testified their joy. At six, the oxen were yoked 
to the waggons, ready to render us all the service in 
their power. They serve silently, without ostenation, 
boastins, or desire of reward : allow them to eat their 
Maker's grass, and they ask no more. During the night, 
for the first time, after they had eaten awhile, they drew 
all round our waggons and slept. I supposed this was 
for protection from the wild beasts, which they must 
have seen, or heard, or smelled. 
Our stage in the morning was tolerably good, only 
hilly. One of our company, when in search of the 
roebuck, saw three ostriches. We saw only one 
person during a journey of four hours, and he was on 
a hill, a mile distant — indeed, human beings besides 
ourselves were beginning to be as great rarities as the 
ostrich. At ten, A.M. we halted at False river, in the 
middle of a small plain, full of bushy trees, and six 
low hills formed a circle around us. Were such a 
spot within five miles of London, it would be of im- 
mense value, but here it is worth only a few dollars. 
If there be any Hottentots in the neighbourhood, it 
would be a charming station for a mission, as there 
must be good water all the year, since there is such 
plenty in the river, though it be the driest season in 
the year. 
At Cape-town I was told that our table would be 
plentifully supplied with game by the Hottentots ; but 
had our lives depended on so precarious a supply, we 
