Page:Life of Africaner.pdf/15

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life of africaner.
15

or spear, and each bosom swelled with purest friendship, and exhibited another trophy destined to adorn the triumph of the Prince of Peace. Here I again met with Mr Bartlett and family, who, with the chief and people of the station, loaded us with kindness.

"We spent some pleasant days, while the subject of getting Africaner safely through the territories of the farmers to the Cape was the theme of much conversation. To some, the step seemed somewhat hazardous. Africaner and I had fully discussed the point before leaving the station; and I was confident of success. Though a chief, there was no need of laying aside any thing like royalty with a view to travel in disguise. Of two substantial shirts left, I gave him one; he had a pair of leather trowsers, a duffel jacket much the worse for wear, and an old hat neither white nor black; and my own garb was scarcely more refined. As a farther precaution, it was agreed that for once I should be the chief, and he should assume the appearance of a servant, when it was desirable, and pass for one of my attendants.

"Ludicrous as the picture may appear, the subject was a grave one, and the season solemn and important. Often did I lift up my heart to Him in whose hands are the hearts of all men, that his presence might go with us. It might here be remarked once for all, that the Dutch farmers, notwithstanding all that has been said against them by some travellers, are, as a people, exceedingly hospitable and kind to strangers. Exceptions there are, but these are few, and perhaps more rare than in any country under the sun. Some of these