CHAPTER XXI. 
ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOURNEY BACK INTO THE COLONY : SECOND VISIT TO 
THE VILLAGE IN THE ASBESTOS MOUNTAINS: AND PREPARATIONS FOR 
DEPARTURE. 
The greater part of the day was passed in the utmost uncertainty 
as to my future movements. In melancholy mood, I paced back- 
wards and forwards, at a little distance from my waggons ; where, 
alone and uninterrupted, I could muse on the plan that should now 
be adopted. The idea of going myself to Cape Town, several times 
presented itself, but the distance, and consequent loss of so much of 
my own time, appeared a great objection ; although I afterwards 
had reason to believe that such would have been the most advan- 
tageous step : as, in that case, I should have accompanied, as far as 
the Colonial boundary, the waggon of the missionary who was 
about to return to the Cape, and then, on horseback, have made the 
best of my way alone. At Cape Town I could have purchased 
another waggon and oxen, which eventually would have been exceed- 
ingly serviceable; and, immediately, with fresh stores, and every 
deficiency again supplied, have hastened with my new men to join 
3 Y 
