424

AFFAIRS OF THE STATION.

arrival at the Barolongs, when in the prospect of his remaining to defend the town, I proposed leaving him, to proceed, he replied, “No, let us go together," and 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 attempted, 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.

A MIDNIGHT ALARM.

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One evening the Hottentot girl came in wringing her hands, and, in great distress, stated that the Bakari or Mantatees had been seen at Nokaneng, and were on their way to the Kuruman. This was alarming indeed, 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 bushes. A message was sent to Mothibi, who said that the news of the approach of such an enemy was correct, but 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, laid 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 Cloete, 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.

426

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

Each succeeding messenger brought fresh alarms, till, about noon, it was ascertained that the dreaded enemy had directed their course to the Barolongs, 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 flashed 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 mo

ment 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 with 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.