66 toss OF TrfE HERCTJXES. 
to understand how much the services of this man would not 
only contribute to their pleasure, but also to their safety. The 
honest savage, however, had anticipated their wishes ; he had 
previously mentioned it to the Hottentot, who had consented 
to proceed to the first Christian farm. Another of the tribe, 
who was better acquainted with the country, had likewise 
agreed to be of the party, and this information, which was 
communicated to the crew, diffused a general joy and satis- 
faction. 
After assuring the chief, and the Caffres in general, of our 
unalterable friendship, and that the guides should be reward- 
ed to the extent of their wishes, " I told him," says the cap- 
tain, " we had endured great distress for want of water, and 
begged to know where we could procure some." " I will 
conduct you," said he, "to a spring of excellent water; it is 
not far from this place ; and, if you think proper,, we will pro- 
ceed directly to the spot." No sooner was the proposal 
made than we set out ; the Caffres singing and dancing as 
they proceeded, and my people, although not without suspi- 
cion, in tolerable spirits." 
After traveling westward about four miles through a de- 
lightful country, they came at last to a wood, in the bosom of 
which was discovered a hollow. The Caffres descended 
first, and when they all arrived at the bottom, the chief pointed 
to the brook. They drank of the water and found it deli- 
cious. After allaymg their thirst,, they looked about, and 
from the dismal appearance of the place, were again in a 
state of apprehension; being moslly of opinion that nothing 
less was intended by the Caffres than to massacre the whole 
party in this sequestered place ; that they v/ere decoyed here 
for the purpose ; and that every man should prepare to de- 
fend his life. The captain, however, endeavored to quiet 
their apprehensions, and at last succeeded. 
The Caffres having invited the party to remain on this spot 
during the night, they began to prepare wood for the fires. 
All hands went to work, and by the assistance of a hand-saw, 
they procured some dry trees and underwood, that afforded a 
very comfortable fire. One of the Hottentots, who was so 
rich as to possess a tinder-box, struck a light ; and this accom- 
modation being not only highly useful but unexpected, gave 
new spirit to the whole party. 
The natives, as the night came on, did not retire as usual 
to their kraal. This gave a fresh alarm, which did not ap- 
pear to be without some cause ; situated as the party then 
