338 TRAVELS IN 
dreadful oaths, that if he met with him he 
would knock him in the head. 
it fo happened, that, in the eourfe of the 
fearch, he found him ; and without pity for 
his age, without compaffion for the forrow h,e 
expreffed for a very pardonable fault, he 
adiially knocked him down at his feet, and 
began beating him with fury. This violence 
was fo much Ae more blameable, becaufe at 
that moment the horfes were juft found, and 
my Hottentots bringuig them back. 
Happily for the poor fellow, I was not far 
off. On hearing his cries I ran tip, and found 
him covered with blood. This fight, I con- 
fefs, put me almoft befide myfelf. Seized with 
indignation, I dragged the blood- thirfty wretch 
from his victim; and, puUring him to a diftance 
with all my ftrength, I threatened him with 
my vengeance if he dared approach the old 
man again. " Learn," added I, " that all 
" who compofe my camp are in my pay and 
" my fervice ; that you have no authority over 
" them ; and that to ftrike them, therefore, is 
^' to infult me." 
This fpeech completed his rage. He foamed 
with fury ; and, afking whether I were come 
int0 
