542 
HIRING OF COBUS BERENDS AND RUITER. 
16 Feb. 
I6th. Early in the morning, I sent Philip with a message to the 
Captain, promising him a pound of gunpowder, if he succeeded in 
procuring the men, well knowing that a pound of powder would 
prove an irresistible fee to a Hottentot hunter, and sufficient to 
engage him warmly to plead my cause. 
The first man who offered himself, was old Cobus JBerends, the 
Captain's uncle. He appeared to be about seventy years old : the 
feebleness of age had bent him a little forwards, but at the same 
time gave him an air that excited respect. I was surprised to find 
so old a man willing to undertake an expedition which seemed fitted 
only for the strength and hardy activity of youth ; but the motive 
which induced him to brave the difficulties and perils of an unknown 
journey was honorable to his feelings, and I could not but admire 
him on that account ; although so feeble a person seemed very little 
likely to constitute any addition to the effective number of our party. 
He had a daughter whom he had not heard of for many years, and 
having always understood that she was living at Graaffreynet, he 
expressed himself very desirous of joining us, that he might see her 
once more before he died. But, notwithstanding the feebleness of 
his body, he was still to us a desirable companion, on account of 
his experience, and the calm, assured manner in which he spoke of 
the practicability of crossing the country lying between us and the 
colony. He might be considered a person of property, as he had a 
wagson and oxen and some cattle of his own. 
At noon. Captain Berends reported that no men could be found 
at the Kraal who were fit to accompany me, all such as could leave 
their homes having been taken away by Klaas ; but he offered to 
allow his servant Ruiter (or Ruter) to go with us ; and promised 
that, if in the mean time, before our departure, he should be able 
to procure some others, he would send them to me at Klaarwater. 
This Ruiter was a Briqua or Bachapin, of about the middle age 
and stature, and of black complexion ; and bore the character of 
being a lively, active, and useful man. He had lived many years 
among the Klaarwater people, in whose service he found a more 
easy life than in his own country ; whither, however, he occasionally 
