540 HISTORY OF JOHN BLOOM. 
He found means to prevail upon many Corannas and 
Bushmen to join his standard, which probably they did to 
preserve their own lives. He received much assistance from 
Jacob and Kaanel Krieger, two boors who had fled from the 
colony for some crime of which they had been guilty. 
These supplied him with additional muskets, ammuni- 
tion, and people, and shared in the plunder which he 
obtained. 
His next expedition was against the Wanketzens, a tribe 
of Bootchuanas, who had hitherto remained unmolested; 
but here a check was put to his iniquitous career, for he 
was repulsed, and soon after died in consequence of drinking 
from a fountain, the water of which was supposed to be 
poisoned by the Wanketzens. When dying he apprehended 
that he had been poisoned. 
It is said that the Wanketzens manifested considerable 
military skill and courage in the resistance they made against 
the attacks of Bloom. They are said to have raised high 
walls across the passes between the mountains, leaving small 
openings in them, like gates, which could easily be closed 
up at the approach of an enemy. Many lay in ambush ; 
while others were stationed on the tops of the mountains, 
who rolled down great stones upon their assailants. It is 
not known that he captured a single beast from the Wanket- 
zens, while he took thousands from the Matchappees and 
Corannas. 
John could neither read nor write ; and such is the deceit- 
fulness and wickedness of the human heart, that, notwith- 
standing all his barbarities, he pretended some respect for 
religion. However, hardened as he was, his conscience was 
considerably roused on his dying bed, and he expressed great 
dread of eternal vengeance. 
