34 
CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 
tary expectation of delivery ; so that to stay there was equally out 
of the question, although he very hospitably offered to receive us, 
and to give us the best his cottage could afford. At length we learnt 
that, at a short distance, resided a person named Nicholas Bestern, 
where we were assured we could be well accommodated. A Hot- 
tentot was tempted, by the offer of a glass of brandy, to run before 
the horses, and guide them on the way. In about half an hour he 
conducted us in safety to the expected habitation ; but we were most 
completely disappointed. On opening the door, we discovered an 
old man at supper in his night-gown, and beside him two perfect 
specimens of Dutch boors, with their wives and children : more 
heavy looking, full-fed animals, in the shape of men, I never beheld. 
The old man was cross and deaf: he grumbled much at our arri- 
val, and scolded us for travelling at so late an hour. Fortunately, 
he soon retired to bed, when we procured from his more civil 
daughters, an excellent supper of eggs and butter. Our lodging was 
much worse, for we could discover only three beds, and those so 
detestably bad, that the two gentlemen who were obliged to sleep 
on the baggage had, comparatively, no great reason to complain of 
their lot: but we were travelling, and it was our business to make 
the best of it. 
October ^5 .—After breakfast we departed for Mynheer De Wall's, 
near the Twenty-four Rivers, where we arrived in about two hours, 
havifig passed the Klein Berg river, which, though very wide, was so 
low, owing to the late fine weather, that it hardly wetted the horses' 
legs. The rivers through the whole of this country descending 
from the lofty mountains, are, in winter, rapid and deep torrents, 
but in summer their beds are nearly dry : a few hours rain will raise 
I 
