The Natives and the Compass

The natives and the compass, etc. — Makaba’s visit to the wagons — Description of the town — Character of Makaba — Bold hyenas — Conversation with Makaba — An attempt at instruction — Ma¬ kaba’s astonishment at the doctrine of a resurrection — Great excitement — Tsusane’s rebellion — His visit to the Kuruman — A stratagem — Tsusane’s affecting end — Unfounded alarms — Preparations for defence — Precipitate departure — The author’s last interview — Return to the Barolongs — Threatened attack on Pitsana — A man escapes — His tale — A frightful savage — Dangerous position — Wagons attacked — A battle — A heathenish scene — Christian conduct — An explosion — Divine interposition — Affairs at the station — A midnight alarm — Concluding remarks.

Having thus reached the metropolis of the Bauangketsi, and having cast our eyes over a dense population, we were in some measure prepared for the din of many thousands of voices on the coming day. We were not mistaken, for, early next morning, and long before we were out of bed, we were surrounded by crowds, so that it was with difficulty we could pass from one wagon to another. On going up the hill to have a view of the neighbouring country, I was followed by a number of men, who, while I was taking some bearings, wxre not a little surprised at the compass, which they regarded as an instrument certainly belonging to a sorcerer, though they laughed when I asked them if they thought that I was one.

About ten o’clock, a.m., Makaba made his appearance, with his retinue, and sat down opposite to my wagon. The hustling crowd retired to a distance, and a dead silence ensued. He addressed us nearly as follows; — “My friends, I am perfectly happy; my heart is whiter than milk, because you have visited me. To¬ day I am a great man. Men will now say, ‘ Makaba is in league with white people.’ I know that all men speak evil of me. They seek my hurt. It is because they cannot conquer me that I am hated. If they do me evil, I can reward them twofold. They are like children that quarrel; what the weaker cannot do by strength, he supplies with evil names. You are come to see the villain Makaba; you are come as the Batlapis say, ‘ to die by my hands.’ You are wise and bold to come and see with your eyes, and laugh at the testimony of my enemies,” etc. A long conversation afterwards ensued respecting the state of the country, and the Mantatee invasion. On this topic he was eloquent, while describing the manner in which he entrapped many hundreds of the enemy by ambuscades; and stretching forth his muscular arm in the direction of the field of conflict, he said, “There lie the bleached bones of the enemy who came upon our hills like the locusts, but who melted before us by the shaking of the spear;” adding, with a stentorian voice, and with superlative self-complacency, ‘‘Who is to be compared to Makaba, the son of Meleta, the man of conquest?” The listening multitude broke the silence in deafening applause. I then told him that the object of my present journey was to open a communication that we might consider him in future as one of our chief friends, and, as a pledge of that friendship, a missionary should come

and reside with him; to which he replied, In future I hope no grass will be allowed to grow on the road between the Kuruman and Kuakue. Mothibi, I know, will hinder you, because he is afraid of losing you; he is afraid that you will build your house with me.”* He stated that the strayed oxen would arrive that day; and, in compliance with our entreaties, he should pardon the men who killed the ox. I made him a present of beads and buttons, with a number of other trinkets, and also gave him a hat. One of the Griquas directed him to put it on his head, which he did, but immediately removed it to the head of another, saying that he could not see its beauty on his own. As most of the Griquas were come to barter, he informed them that on Friday he should commence. As soon as he departed, the noisy multitude did not allow us a moment’s leisure; and during the night we were annoyed by hyenas, of which there are three sorts, the striped, spotted, and another kind, which, though the smallest, is the most dangerous.

In the morning three oxen were sent for slaughter, and, in the course of the day, boiled corn, pottage, and beer. I visited the town, which is very large, but was not able to judge of the number of inhabitants: the town itself covered a vast extent, so that the population must have been great compared with that of the towns of South Africa generally. Each of Makaba’s wives, who were numerous, had a separate establishment, consisting of three or four houses, a corn-house, and a general storehouse. They had also a number of round jars for corn, from eight to

* To build and to dwell are synonymous. twelve feet in diameter, and nearly the same in height, which are raised from the ground upon a circle of stones. Their premises and houses were on a plan rather different from what I had before seen. The houses, though not larger than those of the Batlapis, were built with a greater regard to taste and comfort. The accuracy with which circles were formed, and perpendiculars raised, though guided only by the eye, was surprising. Their outer yards and housefloors were very clean, and smooth as paper. No dairy-maid in England could keep her wooden bowl cleaner and whiter than theirs were. In this respect they formed a perfect contrast to the Batlapis. Makaha frequently referred to the barbarous manners of his southern neighbours, and asked me with an air of triumph, if the Batlapis ever washed a wooden bowl, or if ever they presented me with food which did not contain the mangled bodies of flies, in a dish which had had no better cleaning than the tongue of a dog.

The front cattle-fold, or place where public meetings are held, is a circle, of 170 feet diameter, formed with round posts eight feet high, and as close to each other as they could stand, each post having been hewn round with the axe. Behind lay the proper cattle-fold, capable of holding many thousand oxen: there were also large sheep-folds. In the early part of the day Makaba was generally employed in cutting out skins to sew together for cloaks, and in the afternoon he was frequently found in a measure intoxicated, from a stronger kind of beer made for his own use. He appeared aged, although his mother was then alive. He was tall, robust, and healthy; had rather the appearance of a Hottentot; his conn-BOLD HYENAS.

tenance displayed a good deal of cunning; and, from his conversation, one might easily discern that he was well versed in African politics. He dreaded the dis¬ pleasure of none of the surrounding tribes; but he feared the Makooas, or civilized people. War was almost perpetual between him and the Bakones, a populous nation to the north-east and east. Beyond the Bakones lies the Bamanguato tribe, distinguished for industry and riches; and beyond the Bamanguato lie the Bamagalatsela, who seem to form the limits, in that direction, of the aborigines of the country; for beyond them, they said, were half white people, who wear linen, and whose manners are very hogale, (savage.) While walking to a neighbouring height, I was able to count fourteen considerable villages; the farthest distant about one mile and a half; and I was informed that there were more towns, which I could not see.

For several days I tried at noon to get a secluded spot where I might take the latitude, but was so beset with a crowd of spectators, always in motion when I sat, that the quicksilver of the artificial horizon was made to move as with a breeze. I once left my compass at the wagon for the purpose of attract¬ ing their attention, while I stole away with my instruments to a distance; but a crowd soon followed, to see the seipone (self-seer), as they called the quick¬ silver, and their bustling motions again rendered the taking of a correct altitude of the sun impossible.

One night we heard a woman screaming in the town, and, on inquiry in the morning, found that a hyena had carried away her child, which had happened to wander a few yards from the door. On our expressing astonishment, we were informed that such occurrences were very common, and that after night¬ fall the hyenas were in the habit of strolling through all the lanes of the town, and carrying away whatever they could seize. As these animals were thus accustomed to gorge themselves with human flesh, it be¬ came extremely dangerous to pass the night in the open field, especially on the confines of a town. I pointed out plans by which it appeared to me they might succeed in extirpating them, hut they seemed very indifferent to my suggestions; urging as a reason, that there was something not lucky in coming in contact with the blood of a hyena.

One evening, long before retiring to rest, we heard, in the direction of the water pools, the scream¬ ing of women and children, as if they were in the greatest danger. I sent off a few men, who ran to the spot, and found three children who had been draw¬ ing water closely pursued by hyenas, which were on the point of seizing them. The men succeeded in driving the animals away, on which they ran to¬ wards the women, whom the men also rescued. I understood that it frequently happened, that children sent to the pools for water never returned. Many must thus be devoured in the course of a year, a reflection calculated to make anv one shudder.

The country of the Bauangketsi is hilly, and even mountainous towards the north and east. The soil in general is very rich; but water is rather scarce, and though I believe rains are pretty abundant, yet, from what I could learn, irrigation would be absolutely necessary to raise European vegetables and grain. The countries to the north and east abound

with rivers, and are very fruitful and populous. The mountains are adorned to their very summits with stately trees and shrubs, unknown in the southern parts of the continent, which give the country a picturesque and imposing appearance.

. I embraced another opportunity of conversing with Makaba on the subject of a missionary residing with him, with which idea he professed to be highly pleased. I also hinted that it was probable that a missionary would go to the Bahurutsi, on which he remarked, that men of peace should live in every nation, that a friendly intercourse might be kept up.” Pointing to a bunch of beads which kung at his kaross, he remarked that a friend of mine (Mr. Campbell) had sent them to him from the Bahurutsi. ‘‘ I suppose,” he added, ‘’ their stories frightened him back the road he came; by representing me to be the king of villains. I hope he did not believe the testimony of my enemies. My enemies are not the persons to judge of my .character.”

‘I had embraced different opportunities of conversing with the chief and his people on divine things, but with little success; at least, he appeared as if he did not hear a word I said. Sometimes, when I have been trying to arrest his attention by repeating something striking in the works of God, or in the life of the Saviour, he would interrupt by ask¬ ing a question as distant as the antipodes from the .subject to which I hoped he was listening. I felt particularly anxious on the sabbath to obtain a hearing, and resolved to pay him a formal visit for that purpose. I had felt miserable at the prospect of leaving without the satisfaction of having told him what was the only object of the missionary, especially as he had professed his wish to have one. On the sahhath morning early, we had our prayer meeting, but such rwas the crowd and noise, that to hold the service was out of the question. The more we entreated them to be quiet, the greater uproar they made, so that we were compelled to desist. In the forenoon, taking some of my company with me, I went into the town, and found Makaba seated amidst a large number of his principal men, all engaged either preparing skins, cutting them, sewing mantles, or telling news.

Sitting down beside this great man, illustrious for war and conquest, and amidst nobles and counsellors, including rain-makers and others of the same order, I stated to him that my object was to tell him my news. His countenance lighted up, hoping to hear of feats of war, destruction of tribes, and such like subjects, so congenial to his savage disposition. When he found that my topics had solely a reference to the Great Being of whom, the day before, he had told me he knew nothing, and of the Saviour’s mission to this world, whose name he had never heard, he resumed his knife and jackal’s skin, and hummed a native air. One of his men, sitting near me, appeared struck with the character of the Redeemer, which I was endeavour¬ ing to describe, and particularly with his miracles. On hearing that he had raised the dead, he very naturally exclaimed, ‘‘ What an excellent doctor he must have been, to make dead men live!” This led me to describe his power, and how that power

would be exercised at the last day in raising the dead. In the course of my remarks, the ear of the monarch caught the startling sound of a resurrection. ‘‘What!” he exclaimed with astonishment, “what are these words about? the dead, the dead arise!” Yes,” was my reply, “all the dead shall arise.” “Will my father arise?” “Yes,” I answer¬ ed, “your father will arise.” “Will all the slain in battle arise?” ‘Wes.” “And will all that have been killed and devoured by lions, tigers, hyenas, and crocodiles, again revive?” “Yes; and come

to judgment.” “And will those whose bodies have been left to waste and to wither on the desert plains, and scattered to the winds, again arise?” he asked with a kind of triumph as if he had now fixed me. “Yes,” I replied, “not one will be left behind.” This I repeated with increased emphasis. After looking at me for a few moments, he turned to his people, to whom he sjioke with a stentorian voice: — “Hark, ye wise men, whoever is among you, the wisest of past generations, did ever your ears hear such strange and unheard of news?” And addressing himself to one whose countenance and attire showed that he had seen many years, and was a personage of no common order, ‘ ‘ Have you ever heard such strange news as this?” “No,” was the sage’s answer; “I had supposed that I possessed all the knowledge of the country, for I have heard the tales of many generations. I am in the place of the ancients, but my knowledge is confounded with the words of his mouth. Surely he must have lived long before the period when we were born.” Makaba, then turning and addressing himself to me, and laying his hand on my hreast, said, “Father, I love you much. Your visit and your presence have made my heart white as milk. The words of your mouth are sweet as honev, hut the words of a resurrection are too great to he heard. I do not wish to hear again about the dead rising I The dead cannot arise! The dead must not arise!” ‘‘ Why,” I inquired, can so great a man refuse knowledge, and turn aw’ay from wisdom? Tell me, my friend, why I must not ‘ add to wmrds’ and speak of a resurrection?” Raising and uncovering his arm, wdiich had been strong in battle, and shaking his hand as if quivering a spear, he replied, ‘’I have slain my thousands, (bontsintsi,) and shall they arise?” Never before had the light of divine revelation dawned upon his savage mind, and of course his conscience had never accused him, no, not for one of the thousands of deeds of rapine and murder which had marked his course through a long career.

While the chieftain and myself were engaged in the above conversation, the most profound silence reigned, and which continued till interrupted by one whose features appeared to indicate that he was a man of war. I have killed many, but I never saw the immortal part which you describe.” ‘‘Because invisible,” I replied; and referred him to manv invisible thin2:s, the existence of which he never doubted. Makaha again muttered, “What do my ears hear to-day? I am old, but never thought of these things before;” and hinted that he had heard enough. One of the Griquas wdio was with me, observing the strong excitement which tsusane’s rebellion.

had been produced, partook of the spirit, and ad¬ dressing’ me in the Dutch language, said: — “Oh, I was thinking if you would only exercise a little more faith, and cure that lame man, the whole of the thousands of the Bauangketsi would be believers.”

They were greatly interested when I explained to them the use of writing, and books, but appeared to be a little superstitious about touching them. It afforded me no little gratification that these subjects of conversational instruction had excited considerable interest, for many afterwards came to our wagons to make further inquiries.

Among the early interviews I had with this monarch, who exercised a despotic sway over a population of, at the lowest computation, seventy thou¬ sand, he was wont to refer with unmeasured feehings of pleasure to an event which had led him to style me Tsala ea moeng, “The stranger’s friend.” I should not have known the circumstances of the painful and deeply interesting event, which gave rise to this name, had I not one day asked why he appeared to feel so much pleasure in calling me Tsala ea moeng. He had had a son, Tsusane, the heir to royalty and power. Tsusane had some years before fled from his father, and according to his own account, for the best of reasons. He and his followers took up their abode among the Barolongs, told his tale, and tried with all his eloquence, for he was both eloquent and imposing in his appearance, to rouse the Barolongs to make war against his father as the worst of beings. Hoping to raise an invincible army to accomplish the extirpation of him -he called the greatest of tyrants from the earth, he came with his company as far as our station, the Kuruman. Mothihi congratulated him on his escape I’roni the murderous Makaba. He was very formally introduced to Mr. Hamilton and myself, and we of course received him with all due courtesy, for even savages can appreciate that. He told the story of his lather’s brutality. Gasi motliu, he is not a human being,” he often said, which in the phrase¬ ology of the country, implies that he is a lion, or some other beast of prey. In order to add colour¬ ing and weight to his statements, he tried to persuade every one he met with, that it was the intention of his father to desolate the country; and to those who knew any thing about Dr. Cowan and Deno van’s expedition, he declared that he saw his father destroy them, with all the probable minuti0e connected with such a scene. All this he told over again to us, and he looked rather strangely when informed that we could not believe all that he said, nor would we allow ourselves to he persuaded, that Makaba his father was the man he represented him to be; pointing out to him, at the same time, the magnitude of the crime of which he was guilty in his rebellion against, not only his king but his father, and that thereby he was seeking his own destruction. These remarks put a close to the conversation at that time. Mo¬ thihi, though an inveterate enemy of Makaba, wmuld not grant his aid, and the young rebel returned to the Barolongs, where he influenced a large party to rally round his standard. By my inquiry respect¬ ing the designation I had obtained, the following additional facts were elicited, which give a striking

display of the judgments of God even among the heathen: — He was represented as an aspiring youth, eager to obtain the reins of regal power, and had contemplated the destruction of his father. Having a persuasive tongue, and a fascinating appearance and address, he tried to win the hearts of the people. He condescended to call the plebeian his child, which, in the dignified minds of the Bauangketsi nobles, created suspicion. This artifice failing, he secretly got a deep hole dug in the path which his father was wont to frequent, in which he got sharp stakes fastened, and the whole covered as if to entrap game, hoping that on the coming morn his father might be the unfortunate victim of his unnatural cruelty. The plot was discovered, and Tsusane fled. Makaba, justly dreading farther stratagems, got some of his most confidential attendants, under pretence of flying from the same alleged despotism, to appear to support the rebellion, while in reality they were only to watch the motions of his son. This they faithfully carried into execution. Several of these, who were intelligent men, were among his retinue when he visited our station on the Kuruman river. They had listened to what I had said to him in reference to his conduct, and the character of his father. On his return to the Barolongs, some of these fled to Makaba, and related all that they had heard. Makaba loved his son, and notwithstanding all Tsusane’s demonstrations of hatred, gave imperative orders to his warriors, that in their conflicts with him and his adherents, they were to spare the life of his son. In one of his attacks on a cattle out-post, where a strong force happened to be placed, he was defeated. Al¬ though a man of great swiftness, one swifter still overtook him, who shouted, ‘‘ Throw down your weapons, and your life is safe.” He turned and threw his spear, but missed his mark. He was again overtaken, when the same kind message was sounded in his ears, with the addition, “Your father loves you, and will not kill you.” He hurled another spear at his pursuer, and fled. The third time the voice of mercy reached his ear, and while drawing from his shield his battle axe, his pursher transfixed him with a spear. When the tidings reached Kuakue, the father mourned for his son, and had nearly taken vengeance on the man who had deprived him of his first-born. Makaba more than once referred to those events with much feeling, and would ask if it was the Great Being I talked about, who told me the facts of the case, when he would repeat, verbatim, all that I had said to Tsusane.

Our time being expired, the Griquas informed Makaba that it was their wish to leave in the course of a dav or two in order to hunt, and at the same time I pointed out to him the necessity of my returning with my small party, as from the dryness of the season I feared the few pools on the Barolong plains would be dried up. This he did not like, though aware of the difficulty of our returning except by a circuitous route. On reaching the wagons in the evening, I found the people under great alarm, a report having been spread that the natives intended murdering the

whole party. On investigating the different stories, (not one like another, though all bad enough,) I was convinced that this report was unfounded. Nothing, however, could quell the fears of the Griquas. Guns were unloosed, loaded, and placed by the wagons in case of an attack, while the gloom of night in a valley surrounded by dark looking mountains, made the imagination fertile, filling the ears with hoarse and warlike sounds, and surrounding the camp with thousands of Bauangketsi warriors. Every message, and every motion of a visitor, were construed to be hostile. I had left my interpreter in the town, who, with the boys who tended the oxen which were kept at night in Makaba’s cattle fold, did not make their appearance. Some person, whom no one had seen or could name, had reported that they were murdered. I returned to the town to look about, with a view to convince the company that their fears were groundless, and found the persons of whom I was in search, perfectly ignorant of the horrors which were said to await us, and returned unscathed to the wagons; but all this failed to convince. Many passed a sleepless night, and in the morning, before the Bauangketsi had well finished their night’s repose, the oxen were brought from the fold, and all was soon in motion. The people seeing preparations made for departure, surrounded us by thousands, with oxen and articles for sale. They could discover the alarm and the preparations for defence. It was early, the wind was cold, and the people had all their mantles on: and imagination saw short spears concealed beneath. A party of armed horsemen rode out before to see if the ravine through which we had to pass was clear, for a regiment was said to he there. This was bidding a grateful farewell to the king and people, who had shown us no little kindness!

To arrest the panic looked like staying the course of the wind. A native chief interrogating one of the principal individuals in our company as to that manner of leaving, received, in addition to insolent replies, what amounted to a stroke of the hand, on which he looked extremely fierce. At this moment I began to fear, not that the reports were true, but that this act might give rise to something serious, and to resist the force of some thousands of native warriors would have been a forlorn hope. As I could not stay my own people, I remained behind, conversing as well as 1 could with the principal men, who crowded around me, eagerly inquiring the cause of the flight. After the wagons had gone nearly out of sight, they permitted me to follow, after I had assured them that if I could not stop the party, I should return. The wagons halted at a small fountain, Mahubichu, about a mile and a half behind the hill on which the town stood, as some of our oxen were missing. Some messengers from Makaba came, and very justly complained of the abrupt departure. Fears were partially allayed, hut not one of them would venture to the town. Some of the oxen not being forthcoming, it was resolved, though with great reluctance, to spend an¬ other night in fear and anxiety, while I forwarded a message to Makaba, that I should visit him early next morning. During the evening a native came and corroborated the fearful report, but on his hearing that we intended securing him, he made a clean pair of heels of it, and we never saw him more.

Next morning I informed my companions that I was resolved to visit the town, to remove, if possible, the misunderstanding to which their credulity had given rise; and that the door which had now been opened for the introduction of the Gospel might not be closed. They all opposed, and some talked of using force, to prevent me from running unto deaths as they described it. However, I walked off towards the town, and before reaching it, was over¬ taken by three of our party, who said nothing, but followed after. We found Makaba sitting in the midst of a company of his chief men. On our approaching him he addressed us individually, “Borow Molutsana,” (good morning, villain.) On my return¬ ing the compliment, “Good morning, you Molutsana,” he laughed most heartily. We then sat down and entered into conversation. He very justly complained of our unexpected departure, and of our not having communicated the reports, of which he also had been informed, for investigation. I answered that I had never credited the reports referred to, and that our visit that morning, unarmed, as he might see, for I was without a jacket, was, I thought, a sufficient proof of the confidence reposed in him. He re¬ marked that he had not slept during the night, but that our arrival that morning was sufficient to make him dance for joy. After spending some time in conversation, he gave us refreshments, presented me with another ox, and ordered a number to be taken to the wagons for the Griquas. By this time a multitude was collected, every one more eager than an¬ other to assure us of their joy at seeing us once more. Before leaving I addressed Makaha, stating that if I had given him and his people a satisfactory proof of peace and friendship, I begged one in return, viz., that he would accompany me to the wagons; to which he replied that he was now old, but could not deny my request. AVe accordingly repaired to the camp, when he joked the Griquas for their credulity, presenting each of the chief men with an ox. Before he left, he requested me and two of my company to saddle our horses, for he was anxious to see muskets discharged on horseback. I declined, ob¬ serving that there were others of the company far more expert: but he would not be satisfied unless I did it, as I was a white man. After much persuasion I submitted, and going into my wagon, professedly to fetch my jacket, put into my pocket a brace of pistols, charged with powder only. After going a few turns round the smooth grassy plain, while the king and his attendants were roaring aloud with admiration, I galloped past them, discharging the contents of both pistols nearly at once, which astonished the Bauangketsi more than any thing they had ever seen, and frightened them too, for they all fell prostrate to the earth, supposing they were shot. As soon as I alighted from the horse, Makaba began to unbutton my jacket to see ‘‘the little rogues,” as he called them, exclaiming, “What a blessing that you white men seek to be friends with all nations, for who is there that could withstand you?” Laying his hand on my shoulder he added, “I do, indeed, see that you were without fear, or you would have had your

pistols this morning.” After remaining for a couple of hours we parted, Makaba highly gratified, and the Griquas no less so with the explanation which had taken place.

. Every thing being arranged to the entire satisfaction of all parties, two of our number, Karse and Hendrick, remained behind with their wagons, in order to hunt elephants, while Berend Berend and his company proceeded towards the Barolongs, with the intention of starting off in another direction to hunt, when I expected to be left to return with only my half-dozen attendants. This was the plan; but after halting at a pool for the night, Berend and his party, for some reason, came to the unexpected resolution of returning homewards, having already bartered for a quantity of ivory with the Bauangketsi. As we proceeded we were met on the following day by three messengers from Tuane, begging the Griquas to come with all speed to the assistance of the Baro¬ longs, who were expecting an attack from a tribe of Mantatees, who were in the confines of the town. As it was impossible, from the want of water, to take any other route than through the Barolong territories, which we would gladly have done, to avoid coming in contact with so savage and warlike a body, we travelled with all haste.

On reaching the town early next morning, such was the scene of confusion which met our eyes, that we were persuaded it was in the hands of the enemy. Here we found Sehonello, the Barolong chief, with whom our Wesleyan brethren, Messrs. Hodgson and Broadbent, had been labouring near the Yellow River, and who had been attacked and driven from his home

by the same enemy. The confusion having in a measure subsided, and it being discovered that the enemv were not so near as it was rumoured, the Barolong chiefs, with about one thousand armed men, came and seated themselves before our wagons, and used every argument in their power to induce the Gri(pias to unite with them in repelling the marauders. Tauane spoke to the following effect: — You see how many human bones lie scattered on the plain, and how many of us are dying from hunger, the result of last year’s scourge, when the Mantatees drove us from Kunuana. If you do not help us, we must all perish. Towards the setting sun is a desert without water; towards the sunrise there is no rest from the Mantatees. On one side is Makaba my enemy; on the other the Mantatees are approaching, who will destroy us all; and I still dread Mothibi.” Sebonello, who appeared a fine intelligent man, remarked, “I have lost my all, and I see no alternative but to fight or die.” We all felt perplexed, and recommended the Barolongs to remove with us towards the Kuruman. This they wmuld not do, owing to an old enmity between them and the Batlapis. The party we had left behind, (to whom we had sent, warning them of their danger,) did not make their appearance. We waited a day, hoping they would arrive; but as the reports about the dreaded horde were rather dubious, we left next day at noon. After travelling about twelve miles, we halted in the bed of the Molapo river, which lies in latitude 25° 40^, and flows westward. Soon after halting, and when I had taken uy) my pen to put down a fcAV notes, a man was observed running towards us from a

neighbouring height, who, on reaching the wagon, was in a state of great exhaustion and terror. It was difficult to obtain from him any thing like a reason for his flight. He looked round with a wildness which led some to think he was insane, and we left him with something of that impression. After I had resumed my pen, it occurred to me that all was not right, and went again with Berend to the man. We learned, after many inquiries, that he had been taken prisoner by the tribe we were dreading, and who were at a distance preparing to attack the town; that two hundred warriors had left the main body, and brought him as a guide, to attack the Barolong outposts; in order to secure him during the night, they had covered him with a large skin cloak, on the extremities of which men lay; that they were to attack the flying Barolongs on the west, while the main body was to fall on the town from the east. On seeing the wagons, and learning from their guide that they were white people’s travelling houses, they suddenly fled, and he escaped; but he added, he thought they would attack us. From his manner of speaking, scarcely one felt inclined to believe his relation. It was near sunset before the party could be induced to send out a few horsemen, in order to ascertain if there were any foot-marks in the direction from whence the man came. They had not been absent more than thirty minutes, when one came galloping back with the intelligence that the Bakhari, or Mantatees, were actually there; and as I had entreated them not to shoot any one, they wanted to know what they were to do. Berend strongly urged me to go with additional men, and try either to speak to them or frighten them; as an attack on our defenceless camp during the night would, in all prohahility, end in the whole of us being butchered; and to flee, leaving all behind, would only make us an easier prey. I accordingly set off with a few additional horsemen; and when we came in sight, they began to move off; but when we halted, they did so too. Their appearance was extremely fierce and savage, and their attitude very menacing. It was evident that they were reluctant to depart, which was a convincing proof that a night attack was premeditated; and when it was growing dark they compelled us to retreat, till a few shots were fired in the air, when they again fled, and we pursued, hoping to increase their fright. We overtook one, whom we surrounded, for the purpose of informing him who we were, and that we had no intention of doing them harm. He stood with his shield and war axe in his left hand, and a spear in his right, raised as if in the act of hurling it. I confess I never saw any thing so fiend-like as that man; and concluded that, if he was a specimen of his tribe, all hope had fled for the Barolongs. His body lubri¬ cated with grease and charcoal; a large round cockade of black ostricli feathers on his head; his eyes glaring with rage; while his open mouth, displaying his white teeth, poured forth the most opprobrious epithets and obscene curses, threatening to give our flesh to the hyenas, and our eyes to the crows, when he made a run first at one of us, and then at another. One of the men, in order to frighten him, fired a hall directly over his head, when he fell, and the horsemen rushed forward to seize him before he rose; hut he was too exy)ert, and made us (juickly turn

away in no little confusion; and had it not been for the fear of losing his spear, it would certainly have been plunged into one of our number. It was now becoming too dark to make any farther attempts, and we let him go, and turned in the direction of the wagons, which were about seven miles distant. We had not proceeded many paces, when we were alarmed to find that we were surrounded by those who we supposed had fled, but who had secreted themselves among the bushes, and, aided by the darkness, were closing in upon our small party. Head after head rose above the bushes, when the yell commenced. This was a critical moment; and the men who were with me behaved admirably; for, instead of levelling some, in order to obtain egress, a few shots were fired into the sand before the horses’ heads, when we galloped through what appeared the weakest part; but many were the javelins which they threw. This was a narrow escape; for if a horse had fallen, which is common in the dark, amidst bushes, sticks, and stones, he and his rider would have been instantly covered with spears. The enemy were again pursued with some blank shots, when, hastening back to the wagons, we were alarmed by the reports of muskets, which convinced us that they had been attacked by the enemy. It was with some difficulty we joined our companions, owing to a party hovering round, who, in the dusk of the evening, had rushed out of the reeds in the river, and driven the men who were left from the wagons, which they struck with their war axes, as if they were living things. They thrust their hands into the boiling pots on the fire, and seized the meat. Not seeing the main body,

y)art of wliicli we had been pursuing, make its appearance, according to their plan, they retired, but not before one was wounded, if not more. The night was a sleepless one; and before day dawned, messengers arrived from the town, soliciting the Griquas, with the most earnest entreaties, to return, as an immediate attack was expected, and the knowledge of horsemen being there might alarm the invaders, and save the town. To this Berend would not have agreed, hut for the sake of some of our party, who were yet behind, and who, it was justly feared, might fall into the hands of the enemy. In the morning, of six Barolong spies who had been sent out, two only returned, the others having been killed. In the evening some thousand warriors left the town, accompanied by seven or eight horsemen, with the confident hope that the enemy would flee when they made their appearance. They had not proceeded three miles from the town, before they saw the whole body moving onward with lighted torches. Both parties halted at no great distance from each other. When morning dawned they looked one another in the face, and the enemy, instead of being intimidated, rushed, like a mighty black wave, upon the Barolongs, who fled. Sebonello’s party, who were of a holder character, resisted for some minutes, during which time seventeen of his men fell, among whom were his three brothers. The horsemen, seeing that they were not to be frightened by appearances, and that the loss of life would be terrible, fired a few shots among the enemy, which arrested their progress. They fled from the horsemen; but seeing a large party of Barolongs attempting to take their cattle,

they surrounded them, and would have cut them all down, had they not been again dispersed by the horsemen, when they appeared panic-stricken, and fled. The Barolongs rallied, not to fight, but to seize the cattle, with which they decamped. Of these some hundreds were recovered by the Griquas, who took them, and some women who had also fallen into the hands of the Barolongs, and conducted them to within a few gun-shots of the enemy, who stood petrified with amazement to see their conquerors bringing back, not only a large number of their cattle, but their wives and children. The horsemen did nok however, forget to send a very fearful message by the women, which induced the marauders to make the best of their way out of sight.

While all this was going on, Berend, his brother Nicholas, and myself, with the wagon-drivers, were waiting with intense anxiety, seeing the wounded, the bleeding, and the dying, fleeing past the town, while the inhabitants were making their escape in consternation. We had a picture of heathenism indeed in the men who had remained in the town, to guard it in case of an attack from the opposite quarter, for scampering off with their shields and spears, they left the women to escape in the best way they could, with large bundles and their young children on their backs. When we saw the town evacuated, we sent off our wagons also; while Nicholas and I remained behind with our horses, to wait the result, and learn what had become of our men, for whose safety we were extremely anxious. As soon as we ascertained that they were safe, and that the enemy had fled, I rode forward, to apprize the terrified multitude that the danger was over. It was affecting to see, all along the course of their flight, utensils, mantles, victuals, and many little children, who had been left by their affrighted mothers, who expected that all was over. Instead of believing what I said, when I called after them that the enemy had fled, and that they must not leave their babes to perish with the cold, or be devoured by hyenas, they only fled the faster, till, at length, I got some one to assist me in driving a number back to take up their children. Poor things, they did not forget afterwards to shed many grateful tears, for my having frightened them hack to save their weeping infants.

When most of the inhabitants had congregated round our wagons, near the river, where we were first attacked, it was affecting to see the different families meet again. Considering their situation, fkey were w onderfully cheerful; hut there were bleeding hearts; and it was a melting scene to witness the return of Sebonello, and especially when he exclaimed, “Of all my friends, I only am left!” We assembled our company in the evening, recorded the mercies of the day, and felt devoutly thankful for the deliverance that had been granted. Touane, Gontse, Sebonello, and other chiefs came to Berend, and, in the most feeling manner, thanked him for his assistance. They said they felt this the more, as they had learned from the prisoner wdio escaped, that it was the determination of the enemy to attack the town on both sides, set it on fire, and then destroy all the people, if they could.

On the following morning an event occurred, worthy of record. Some of Berend’s people had

brought droves of fine fat cattle belonging to the enemy, which they had taken ‘from the Barolongs, who, instead of fighting, had seized the animals, and fled. According to established right, they were the property of Berend and his people, and every one supposed they would be claimed by him. These cattle, amounting to several hundreds, were collected, and Touane and Sebonello were called, many of them having been taken by the enemy from the latter. Berend said to them, ‘‘ These cattle I give up to you, divide them among you. One or two for my people to slaughter on the road, are all that I require.” Se¬ bonello received this most disinterested kindness with lively feelings of heartfelt gratitude, for he and his people were entirely destitute. This was an act which astonished the multitude of spectators; many held their hands on their mouths, to signify their utter amazement.

Before separating, some trifling European articles were brought, which had been picked up on the held of battle. These were once the property of Mr. Broadbent, and had been taken from his station when the enemy attacked Sebonello. Some of our men had seen several of the warriors with pieces of linen tied round their legs, and remarked that one of the slain appeared as if his legs were burned, and bound up with a piece of a shawl. This was explained by the man who had been a prisoner. Among the articles they had seized, was a bag containing several pounds of gunpowder; when seated around their different fires, this bag w-as brought out to examine its contents, supposing it to be medicine, or something to be eaten. One tasted, another smelled, a third said, ‘‘ Put it into the hot ashes, it is seed, and needs roasting.” In went the bag, when presently a fear¬ ful explosion took place, which threw them all on their backs, scattering the live embers in all directions. As soon as they recovered their senses, they started up, and fled from the spot, some exclaiming, more oa sethunye,” It is the exploder’s medicine, i. e. gun¬ powder.

We thankfully retired from the melancholy scenes which had occupied our attention for successive days, and bent our course to our respective homes. My arrival at the station was, indeed, like life from the dead. The deepest anxiety had been felt for weeks for the safety of myself and companions, as it was well known that the hunters intended remaining in the interior for the purpose of shooting elephants, while I was to return, comparatively, alone which greatly increased the danger. They had been fully and correctly informed that the body of marauders which we met had come from the Yellow Hiver, as far as Nokaneng, about twenty miles east of Old Lithako, and that they had proceeded to the Barolongs, in the direction, and at the very time of my contemplated return. To them our destruction appeared inevitable, and it was beyond their power either to render assistance, or to give warning. There is reason to believe that their fears would have been mournfully realized, but for the unexpected circumstance of Berend and his party resolving, without any definite reason, to return at the same time; for when I asked Berend why he had given up his intended hunt; he could give no reason except the feeling that he did not like my going home alone. And on our

arrival at the Barolongs, when, in the prospect of his remaining to defend the town, I proposed proceed¬ ing without him, he replied, “No, let us go together.” On that same night we were attacked. He more than once remarked, how unaccountably his mind had been impressed on that occasion, and could not but see the finger of God in the whole affair. But for this, I should have been surrounded in the wilderness by a host of people, such as have been described, against whom resistance, supposing it had been at¬ tempted, would have proved of no avail, and under such circumstances escape or safety would have been impossible.

It may not be uninteresting, briefly to glance at what had been going on at the station during my absence, where serious apprehensions had been entertained for its safety. All being tranquil when I left, Mr. Hamilton had proceeded with the three Hottentots to the new station, to make preparations for a final removal. Mrs. M. was left alone on the old place in one house, and a young Hottentot woman in another. About this period a party of marauders, composed of Bastards, and others, from the Orange River, collected in the Long Mountains, about forty miles to the west of the station, attacked some villages along the Kuruman River, and were contemplating a junction with others in order to attack the Batlapis and the mission premises. This created considerable uneasiness, but as reports of that kind were often dubious, Mrs. M. remained, though not without some alarm, knowing their desperate character, and fearing that they might be tempted to attack the mission house for the sake of ammunition which might be there.

Hag. i:;:.

One evening the Hottentot girl came in wringing her hands, and, in great distress, stated that the Bakari or IVliintatees had been seen at Nokaneng, and were on their way to the Kuruman. This was alarming in¬ deed, to one who, with two babes, had only two little Bushmen children with her in the house, and no means of escape but fleeing to the hushes. A message was sent to Mothibi, who said that the news of the approach of such an enemy was correct, hut that he thought there was no very great danger before next morning. Mrs. M., after again commending herself and little ones to the care of Divine Providence, lay down in confidence, and fell asleep. At midnight a loud rap at the door awoke her; when, from the reports on the preceding evening, she was at a loss to think whether it was a rap of Jacob Cleote, the Griqua marauder, or the announcement of the near approach of the horde from the interior. On asking who was at the door, Mothibi replied himself. When it was opened, he entered with as many men as the house could hold, and announced the dreaded intelligence that the Mantatees were approaching. The sound of alarm and uproar was raised in every part of the town. A light being obtained, Mrs. M. seated herself in the midst of the noisy council, heard all they had to communicate, and wrote to Mr. Hamilton. There was now universal confusion till day dawned, which has always some effect in raising the spirits, however dejected. Mr. Hamilton and the people arrived at eight o’clock, when preparations were made for a hasty flight. Warriors were assembling, and thousands were engaged in secreting some articles of their property, and packing up others.

Each succeeding messenger brought fresh alarms, till, about noon, it was ascertained that the dreaded enemy had directed their course to the Baralongs, instead of coming to the Kuruman. This news dispelled the gloomy cloud, and filled every heart with gladness; but the intelligence, which made the populace give their fears to the winds, produced in Mrs. M. a shock of horror, as the conviction instantly hashed across her mind that nothing less than a Divine interposition could save me from destruction; it being the time I was expected to be on my return. The moment she stated the cause of her fears, all saw the danger, and sympathized, but no one could be induced to go in search. The idea of falling in with such a horde of savages was horrible in the extreme. For three weeks my dear wife was thus exposed to a state of mental agony more easily conceived than described; and nothing but incessant approaches to the throne of God could have supported her. During that period continual reports were brought that I had been cut off. One had seen a piece of my wagon; another had found a part of my saddle; and some had picked up parts of my linen stained wfith blood; till, at last, a few men were prevailed on to go and ascertain the facts, and had started on the morning of the very day I made my appearance. The preceding details will show what real cause there was for alarm, for the exercise of faith, fervent prayer, and, subsequently, for boundless praise.