298 JOURNAL OF A 
Considering the quantity of cover, both of rock and wood, which 
tygers and other ravenous beasts might find in this wild region, it is 
surprising, that not more of them are seen and taken. We returned 
to town about twelve, when I went to the Colonial Office, and 
called upon the Governor, Colonel Bird, and Mr. Melville. 
25th. To-day my travelling companions from Gnadenthal pre- 
pared for their return, and after waiting long for their waggon, ow- 
ing to the usual tardiness of Hottentot drivers, they set out at three 
in the afternoon. A slave, emancipated by the will of his master, 
on condition of his living at Gnadenthal, and receiving Christian 
instruction, went with them. Mr. Melville and I walked with them 
as far as the turnpike. There I took a last leave of my Gnadenthal 
friends, who still vainly hoped, that 1 should visit them once more, 
no opportunity offering for my speedy departure for England. 
But travelling at this time of the year is connected with so much 
delay, inconvenience, and uncertainty, that, far from indulging 
the idea of returning to Gnadenthal, I am almost of opinion, that I 
have been too much attached to that place, and staid in it too long. 
Our best wishes and prayers attend each other in our several em- 
ployments and travels. I parted with some regret from Marcus^ 
who had so long been my faithful coachman, and always approved 
himself worthy of his Christian name and profession. Brother 
Schmitt and his wife arrived to-day from Groenekloof. 
26th. I went in Mr. Hancke's sociable, with Mr. Edward Grant, 
to Newlands, to pay a morning-visit to the Governor, but was un- 
successful. In the evening, his Excellency sent me an invitation 
to attend him on the following day. 
27th. This morning, I had the pleasure to receive letters from 
England, by which I was informed of the safe arrival of all my let- 
ters written at sea. The Spaniard and Dane had been the most 
tardy in forwarding them. 
In the afternoon, I set out for Newlands, with Mr. Edward Grant 
for my companion. I found there Mr. Von Rhyneveld, the land- 
drost of Stellenbosch, hisjady, and Colonel Monkton. My visit 
