71 
Desirous of having the Hottentot who 
served us as an interpreter to accompany 
us through the deserts, I gave the chief to 
understand how much the services of this 
man would not only contribute to our plea- 
sure but our safety. The honest savage, 
however, had anticipated my wishes; he 
had previously mentioned it to the Hot- 
tentot, who had consented to proceed with 
us to the first christian farm. Another of 
the tribe, who was better acquainted with 
the country, had likewise agreed to be 
of the party ; and this information, which 
I communicated to my people, diffused a 
general joy and satisfaction. 
After assuring the chief and the Caffrees 
in general of my unalterable friendship, 
and that our guides should be rewarded to 
the extent of their wishes, I told him we 
had endured great distress for want of 
''water, and begged to know where we could 
procure some. " I will conduct you,'* said 
he, " to a spring of excellent water ; it is 
not far from this place ; and, if you think 
proper, we will proceed directly to the 
spot." — No sooner was the proposal made 
