VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 1^7 
from the state of the tide was now impassable. Shortly before 
we made halt, Brother Schmitt met with an accident, Avhich might 
have been even more serious, than that which betel his wife. Hav- 
ing left the waggon to fetch some remarkably beautitiil scarlet 
flowers, which had attracted our attention, on venturing to enter it 
again, without stopping the oxen, the fore-wheel went over his 
right foot, and hurt it considerabl3^ 
Two of our party were now rendered invalids. Yesterday was a 
day, when danger was expected. To-day Ave had no fears. Thus 
we received a serious but merciful warning, that in every situatioii, 
and whatever appearances may be, we ought not to forget, that we 
are never safe, bat under the protecting care of our heavenly Father. 
The sufferers, as well as our whole party, were thankful, that these 
accidents had not been such as to prevent our proceeding. 
The out-spann place was in a romantic situation near the ford; 
on all sides enclosed by woody hills, the river flowing at the foot of 
those to the east. Here Mr. Melville shot a bird, which proved to 
be a curious species of king-fisher, the wings and body beautitully 
marked in black and Avhite. The report ofthe gun produced one 
of the fmest echoes imaginable. A large fire being soon kindled, 
Sister Schmitt, Avith her usual zeal to sacrifice her own conveaicnce 
to our comforts, Avhich, at least, under present circumstances, de- 
serves once for all to be noticed, insisted on our permitting her 
to cook supper for us, as Ave had made no meal all day; after 
Avhich, she retired to rest in the Avaggon. Brother Schmitt obtain- 
ed considerable relief by bathing his foot in the cold Knysan, by 
which inflammation Avas prevented. 
While Ave Avere at supper, and for some time during the early part 
of the night, avc were treated Avith a horrid serenade by Avolves on the 
opposite hill. These creatures, as also tygers, are said to be nume- 
rous in this Avoody part of the country. We were not Avithout fears 
about the safety of the oxen, belonging to the two spaims avc had 
brought, and of those provided as relays by the Veldcornet, accord- 
ing to order, and feeding loose near our encampment. 
