GROSVENOR INDIAMAN. 27 
of south latitude ; and as the Dutch colonies extended beyond 
the 3 1st degree, they might have accomplished the journey 
within the time specified, had not rivers intervened and re- 
tarded their progress. 
Every thing being arranged, they set out on their journey 
on the 7th, leaving behind only an old East-India soldier, who 
being lame, preferred trusting himself to the natives till some 
more favorable opportunity of getting away should present 
itself; adding, that he might as well die Avith them as end his 
life on the way with pain and hunger. 
As they moved forward they were followed by some of the 
natives, while others remained at the Avreck. Those who ac- 
companied them plundered them, from time to time, of what- 
ever they liked, and sometimes threw stones at them. After 
proceeding a few miles, they were met by a party of about 
thirty of the natives, whose hair was fastened up in a conical 
form, and their faces painted red. Among these was a man 
who spoke Dutch, who, it afterward appeared, was a runaway 
slave from the Cape, on account of some crimes, and was 
named Trout. When this man came up to the English he 
inquired who they were, and whither they were going. Find- 
ing by their answers that they had been cast away, he in- 
formed them, that their intended journey to the Cape would 
be attended with unspeakable difficulties from the natives, the 
wild beasts, and the nature of the country through which they 
would have to pass. 
Though this did not contribute to raise their spirits, they 
tried to engage him as a guide ; but no arguments could pre- 
vail upon him to comply with their wishes. Finding all their 
solicitations fruitless, they pursued their journey four or five 
days, during which they were constantly surrounded by the 
natives, who took from them whatever they pleased, but in- 
variably retired on the approach of night. 
As they approached they saw many villages, which they 
carefully avoided, that they might be less exposed to the in- 
sults of the natives. At length they came to a deep gully, 
where they were met by three Caffres armed with lances, 
which they held several times to the captain's throat. Irri- 
tated beyond all patience by their conduct, he wrenched one 
of the lances from their hands and broke it. Of this the na- 
tives seemed to take no notice, and went away; but the next 
day, on coming to a large village, they there found the three 
men, with three or four hundred of their countrymen, all 
armed with lances and targets. As the English advanced they 
