property of all. The rear-guard consisted of two head servants
(Hottentots) armed, on bullocks; then four on foot, with their families,
many of the women carrying two children. Thus we would accomplish twenty
miles a day over the most enormous hills; and, if we could not reach a
farmhouse by the setting sun, which was the time we generally halted, we
selected the most open spot we could find for our encampment, forming a
square with the four waggons, keeping our cattle inside, where they were
fed. Six men out of the twelve kept watch the whole night, and were
relieved every four hours, in which duty I always took a part. In fact,
we were so often disturbed, either by the Caffres, or some beast of prey
prowling about our little fortified encampment, that we might be said to
be always watching. The Caffre possesses a great deal of cunning and
craft. Their system of attack is this: under the garb of night, when all
is still save the roaring lion, the hungry tiger, or the screeching owl,
they will crawl on their hands and knees, imitating the cries of any
animal of the woods, or any bird of the air. At the smallest noise they
will turn themselves flat on the ground, so that you may walk close by,
and not observe them; and the first indication given you of having such
dangerous neighbours, is by the incision of a spear, or the blow of a
club. These imitations of the cries of animals, and chirping of birds,
are well understood amongst themselves. No wonder, then, that we should
watch. It was no unusual thing in the morning to see their spears lodged
in the top of our waggons, and close by where we kept watch; but we
never attempted to leave our possessions, and resolved not to throw away
our precious powder and ball on slight occasions. To narrate the
numerous trials, watchings, privations, perils, and escapes of this
trip, would of itself fill a larger space than I can devote to such a
detail. Suffice it for the present, that we at last reached Cape Town in
safety.

The Dutchman with whom I was travelling had two daughters; the younger
of whom, Sabina by name, was a most lovely creature. She was tall, and
rather slim; of symmetrical form; in complexion a brunette; with black
eyes and hair; her foot extremely small; and her waist scarcely a span.
Her manners were vivacious and interesting, and her education had been
by no means neglected. As we proceeded on our perilous journey, this
charming girl would single me out as her c