524 
SETTLING ACCOUNTS. 
30 Jan 1 Feb. 
commencing the journey in a few days ; as the most important affair, 
that of the men, was just at the same time brought to a favorable 
conclusion ; several Hottentots having agreed to accompany us, and 
promised to be ready in a day or two. Among these were three of 
approved character, and on whose services and steadiness I placed 
much reliance ; Hans Lucas, Hendrik Abrams, and Maagers, my 
former herdsman : the other was also well recommended. Yet these, 
together with Kees, and my own three, made my party to consist of 
no more than eight. I found, however, that I must content myself 
with a less number than had been at first fixed upon : but, as it was 
believed that we could, as we advanced, pick up some Koras, or 
some Bachapins, who would be able to render us much service 
in the laborious part of our daily employments, I resolved 
that this deficiency should not be an obstacle to our immediate 
departure. 
Accordingly, we set about completing all further arrangements 
without delay, and began to load the other waggon and fasten every 
thing in its proper place. Some trifling stores which could be spared, 
were added to the stock of the mission ; we cast a large quantity of 
bullets ; and attended to all the necessary repairs. 
Besides other things which I presented to the Klaarwater cap- 
tain in consideration of the assistance which he had occasionally lent 
me, and especially on account of his trouble in nursing Gert, and 
for allowing him the shelter of his hut (vignette, page 506), he stated 
that half a dozen pounds of gunpowder would perfectly satisfy him 
as a recompence for every thing he had done. Desirous of gaining 
his good will by the strongest proof of generosity that it was in my 
power to show, and of which the invaluable article gunpowder was of 
all things the most convincing, I presented him with nine pounds, 
instead of the six he asked for, and to these, over and above, I added 
a proportionate quantity of gun-flints, and of lead and tin for bullets. 
To his wife 1 made presents of a piece of chintz cotton, a quantity 
of needles, thread, tape, buttons, brandy, pepper, &c., with which she 
expressed herself highly pleased. 
