VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 191 
with hini, ending in a reference to a determination on our re- 
turn. At half past nine, we left this romantic outspann-place, 
and passed through an unniteresting country, till, about one o'clock, 
we arrived at Mr. Miller's farm. We here procured sweet milk 
and good bread. Some dragoons seemed pleased to meet with their 
countrymen, and Mr. Akkerman, with the old farmer from Essen- 
bosch, had preceded us on horseback. Relays being soon provided, 
we set out for the Veldcornet's, hoping to reach his place before 
dark. The road, however, was bad, and we got on but slowly. 
Several antelopes were seen, but their swifmess saved them, nor 
had we dogs used to the chace. On the road we met a serjeant of 
dragoons with a private. The former had been at Groenekloof, and 
was acquainted with the missionaries, with whom he entered into 
conversation, and seemed quite in a kind of ecstacy, speaking of 
the religious disposition of all classes of people about Uitenhagen. 
He was sent to call off all the dragoons stationed on the road, as 
that mode of conveying dispatches is rendered unnecessary, by the 
conclusion of the war with the rebellious boors. 
When we arrived at the Veldcornet's, we found him very much 
out of humour. Mr. Melville, who first entered the house to an- 
nounce us, met with a very ungracious reception, though we had 
sent Leonhard Paerl to him with the landdrost's order for relays. In 
his absence, his wife had ordered them, but he pretended ignorance, 
and rudely asked, "Who are you? What is your business at Uiten- 
hagen?" with other questions equally impertinent. Mr. Melville 
replied, that we should inform the landdrost of our business, when 
w^e reached the drosty, and meanwhile required him to furnish us 
with the means of proceeding. When the rest of us followed, he 
began to use language which soon convinced us, that we should be 
much happier in our tent, than under his roof. We therefore took 
leave, pitched the tent on the werft, and kindled a fire. Sister 
Schmitt had previously mentioned to the lady, that we should be 
glad to purchase a sheep, but we now doubted, whether we should 
obtain one. Her husband, however, unknown to us, ordered two 
