ENCOUNTER WITH A HIPPOPOTAMUS.

171

A

be effected by passing over two low islands, nearly covered with reeds and jungle. They were a great distance from each other, and it was now nearly dark. We had just reached the first, when a sea-cow came furiously up the stream, snorting so loud as to be echoed back from the dark overhanging precipices. Younker Africaner shouted out to me to escape, and, springing from his horse, which appeared petrified, he seized a large stone, and hurled it at the monster of the deep, for our guns were both out of order. The enraged animal then made for the next ford, through which two of us were forcing our horses, up to the saddle in a rapid torrent. moment's delay on our part would have been fatal to one or both of us. The other three men remained till the infuriated animal had got again into the rear, when they also escaped to the second island, where expecting another encounter, we made the best of our way to the mainland, effectually drenched with perspiration and water. We soon after reached a village of our own people; and it was with the liveliest gratitude to our heavenly Father that we reviewed the mercies of the day. These animals, in their undisturbed lakes and pools, are generally timid, and will flee at the approach of man; but when they have been hunted and wounded, from year to year, they become very dangerous, as the following fact will prove. A native, with his boy, went to the river to hunt sea-cows. Seeing one at a short distance below the island, the man passed through a narrow stream, to get nearer the object of his pursuit. He fired, but missed; and the animal instantly made for the island; and the man, seeing his danger, ran to cross to the bank of

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RETURN TO THE STATION.

the river; but, before reaching it, the sea-cow seized him, and literally severed his body in two with its monstrous jaws.

A detail of our journey was laid before Africaner. The whole of our researches gave him entire satisfaction, when it was resolved that his removal should remain prospective for a season. My labours were resumed, but the drought was severe, and great hunger prevailed in the place. The means of grace, however, were well attended, and a delightful unction of the Spirit realized, especially in our sabbath convocations and so strong was the attachment of the people that, although I was contemplating a visit to the Cape, I dared not to mention the subject.

CHAPTER XII.

Journey to Cape Town-The power of the Gospel-Africaner's critical position-A ludicrous scene-Incredulity of a farmerThe surprise-Africaner's visit to the Governor-Sensation produced-The author appointed to the Bechuanas-Africaner conveys his goods to Lattakoo-His death-His early experience -Dreams and visions-Africaner's dream-The author's anxiety about the mission-Why relinquished-Wesleyans resume the mission-Mr. Backhouse's testimony-Difficulties inevitableProspective view.

WHILE engaged in an interesting conversation with Africaner on the state and prospect of the mission, in connexion with the barrier to civilization, not only from the state of country and climate, but also from the want of intercourse with the Colony, the idea darted into my mind, that Africaner would do well to accompany me to Cape Town; and I at once made the proposal. The good man looked at me again and again, gravely asking whether I were in earnest, and seemed fain to ask if I were in my senses too; adding with great fervour, "I had thought you loved me, and do you advise me to go to the government, to be hung up as a spectacle of public justice ?" and putting his hand to his head, he asked, "Do you not know that I am an outlaw, and that 1000 rix-dollars have been offered for this poor head?" These difficulties I endeavoured to remove, by assuring him that the

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THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL.

results would be most satisfactory to himself, as well as to the Governor of the Cape. Here Africaner exhibited his lively faith in the gracious promises of God, by replying, "I shall deliberate, and commit, (or, as he used the word according to the Dutch translation,) roll my way upon the Lord; I know he will not leave me."

During three days this subject was one of public discussion, and more than one came to me with grave looks, asking if I had advised Africaner to go to the Cape. On the third day the point was decided, and we made preparations for our departure, after having made the necessary arrangements for continuing the means of instruction during my absence. Nearly all the inhabitants accompanied us half a day's journey to the banks of the Orange River, where we had to wait several days, it having overflowed all its banks. The kindness of the people, and the tears which were shed when we parted from them, were deeply affecting.

Arriving at Pella, (the place, as before stated, to which some of the people from Warm Bath had retired when the latter was destroyed by Africaner,) we had a feast fit for heaven-born souls, and subjects to which the seraphim above might have tuned their golden lyres. Men met who had not seen each other since they had joined in mutual combat for each other's woe; met-warrior with warrior, bearing in their hands the olive branch, secure under the panoply of peace and love. They talked of Him who had subdued both, without a sword or spear, and each bosom swelled with purest friendship, and exhibited another trophy destined to adorn the triumph of the Prince of

AFRICANER'S CRITICAL POSITION.

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Peace, under whose banner each was promoting that reign in which—

"No longer hosts encountering hosts,

Their heaps of slain deplore;

They hang the trumpet in the hall,

And study war no more."

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