LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 65 
ship came on shore. One of the people had picked up a hand- 
saw, and as he perceived the CafTres were indefatigable in 
procuring iron, he hid it in the sand. This was a valuahle 
acquisition, and became of infinite service to them in the 
course of their proceedings. 
Having secured all they could obtain from the wreck, the 
captain requested the chief to order some of his people to dis- 
play their skill in the use of the assagays. This is a spear 
of about four feet six inches in length, made of an elastic 
wood, and pointed with iron, which the natives contrive to 
poison so effectually, that if it wounds either man or besist, 
death is the inevitable consequence. 
The captain's wishes were immediately gratified. The 
Caffres first placed a block of wood on the ground, and then 
retired about seventy yards from the spot where it lay. -The 
chief then said, they would now behold their manner of fight- 
ing when engaged in battle. These compliances, as they 
seemed to remove former suspicions, gave great satisfaction 
to the sufferers. A party of about thirty began their manoeu- 
vering. They first ran to a considerable distance ; then fell, 
as if motionless, on the ground ; in a moment they started up, 
divided, joined again, and ran in a compact body to the spot 
from whence they originally set out. After halting for about 
a minute, they let fly a shower of assagays at the mark, and 
with a precision that was truly astonishing. 
Not a word more passed this day about the departure of 
the crew. The natives retired as usual on the approach of 
night. All were employed to gather wood ; and after pro- 
curing a sufficient quantity, they stretched themselves on the 
ground, and in spite of wind, sand, and cold, slept until 
morning. 
When day appeared all were again employed in looking 
out for the long-boat ; but she was not to be seen, nor did 
they ever hear of her again. 
The Caffres did not make their appearance this day until 
the sun had proceeded two hours in his course. As little now 
was to be procured from the wreck, Captain Stout begged the 
chief to appoint a guide for himself and crew, as he proposed 
taking his departure on the next day. " I shall furnish you 
with two," said the chief. These joyful tidings were deli- 
vered with so much frankness, that the captain was relieved 
at once from all apprehension and suspicion. 
Desirous of having the Hottentot who served as interpreter 
to accompany them through the desert, the chief was given 
6* 
