( 7i ) 
td firfl, and when we all arrived at the hok- 
torn, the Chief pointed to the brook. Wc 
drank of the water and found it deiicious. 
Our thirft being allayed, we looked about 
us, and from the difmai appearance of the 
place, our fears were again renewed. My 
peopk were moftlyof opinion, that nothing 
lefs was intended by the CafFrees than to 
nraffacre the whole party in this fequeft ered 
place ; that we were deco3/ed here for that 
purpofe ; and th:^ every man Ihould pre- 
pare to defend his life. I endeavoured to 
tjuiet their apprehenfions, and at laft fuc- 
i ceded. 
The Caffrees having told us we had better 
remain here during the night, w^e began to 
prepare wx^od for cur fires. Ail hands went 
to work, and by the ailiftance of our hand- 
faw, we procured fome dry trees and under- 
wood that afforded us a very comfortable 
fire. One of the Hottentots who was fo 
rich as to poflefs a tinder-box, ftruck a light; 
'and this accommodation being not only 
highly ufeful but unexpefted, gave ne^. 
fpirits to the whole of my people. 
The natives, as the night camiC on, did 
not retire as ufual to their kraal. This gave 
a frefli alarm to my men ; and although I 
endeavoured to calm their apprehenfions by 
every means in my powerjftill I confefs their 
uneafincfs did not appear to be without fome 
ca\jrfe. We were obliged however, fituated 
as we then were, to abide thf event, and we 
