264 JOURNAL OF A 
The women could not dissemble their joy at our departure, but dis- 
missed us with a hearty horse-laugh. 
We reached the Veldcornet's place about half past nine, and ac- 
cidentally stopt at the dwelling of his partner, an Irishman, Mr. 
John Miller. Late as it was, he and his wife rose, and did every 
thing in their power to show, that we were welcome Milk, dried 
peaches, eggs, and cold meat, were provided, and an empty room 
appropriated for our sleeping-place. Irish hospitality was exerted 
in full vigour, even here in South Africa; and if some of the Africans 
themselves were inoculated with it, it would do them no harm. 
5th. After a quiet night's rest, we found oxen provided by the 
Veldcornet, got breakfast, paid a visit to the latter in his own house, 
and procured several articles of provision for ourselves and our Hot- 
tentots. Our Irish host left nothing undone, that he thought would 
be a benefit to us. He has lived twenty-five years in this cou ntry. 
The mountains present here a very magnificent outline. They are 
crowned with rocks of singular forms. Nothing particular occur- 
red, till we reached the Kaffre Kuyls Revier, where we halted on its 
banks. Some of us crossed the river, to visit the farmer, but he was 
absent, and his farm and mill in dirty plight. From hence, passing 
by the farm of Mr. Cobus Du Preez, we hastened to the Veldcor- 
net's place on the Klein Vat Revier. Our reception by the men 
was civil, but the women behaved towards Sister Schmitt and 
our whole party with determined coolness. The mistress of the 
house had a most stentorian voice, and in ordinary conversation 
kept up a continual bawl. As the Veldcornet's brother possessed 
the same strength of lungs, the uproar was great, while she at one 
table, and he at another, were exerting their utmost powers to enter- 
tain their friends. It was a novel scene, and we retired into our 
chamber, stunned with the noise: but as it blew and rained hard 
all night, we were thankful for a room, even in an inhospitable 
dwelling. 
6th. When we rose in the morning, no notice was taken of us. 
Sister Schmitt, for once, did not succeed, by her conciliating manners, 
