LOSS OF THE HERCULES. 67 
were, they were oblig-ed to abide the event, and therefore pre- 
pared for the worst that could happen. The watch was set 
as formerly ; but the Caffres huddling together, were soon 
lost in sleep. The place, however dismal in its appearance, 
afforded a tolerable shelter for the night ; clouds of sand were 
no longer troublesome, and the severities of the wind and 
cold were mitigated by the friendly shade afibrded by the 
trees. 
" We were roused," says the captain, "by the savages, as 
the sun appeared, and we departed from this supposed Golgo- 
tha in tolerable spirits. We had, however, consumed the last 
pound of our bullock before we left the sand-hills, and our 
party began to dread an approaching famine. I mentioned 
the distress of my people to the chief, and he promised to re- 
lieve us. We had journeyed but a few miles, when the Caf- 
fres told us we must remain where we were that night. We 
accordingly set to work to procure fire-wood, and had scarce- 
ly completed this necessary business, when the chief present- 
ed us with aaother bullock. It was soon dispatched, skinned, 
cut into pieces of about four pounds each, and we then pro- 
ceeded to dress them as provisions for our journey. This 
was a business of so much importance, that most of the day 
was spent in accomplishing it. 
" The night passed with less apprehension than before, and 
when the morning came we prepared for our departure. 
" The moment now arrived when the real intentions of the 
Caffres were to be developed. The natives came about us 
and assisted in dividing the provisions. Each man was to 
carry his own stock, which amounted to about three or four 
pounds of beef; this, with some biscuit which a few of my 
people had contrived to preserve from the wreck, was to 
serve us until we reached a Christian settlement. So far 
from any appearance of hostility, the natives seemed to view 
our departure with regret. I took the chief by the hand, and 
thanked him for his great and friendly attentions to me and 
my unfortunate crew; assuring him at the same time that, if 
I survived the journey, it would ever be my first considera- 
tion to render him and his people some essential service. He 
thanked me, and then requested I Avould tell the colonists our 
ship was lost at sea, and so distant from the land that no part 
of her could possibly reach the shore. He also desired me 
to place the utmost confidence in my guides, as they would 
certainly direct me for the best. After my people and the na- 
tives had exchanged some mutual civilities, we parted, and 
gave one another a last and affectionate adieu." 
