was very strange that Andries could not take care of the oxen; as
the new ones were not so unruly as he had represented them to be.
Cornells uncalled for, came up at the same moment, and with
equal insolence, told me that if the ox-leaders did not take proper
care of the cattle, it was the duty of the drivers to attend to them.
On this, they'both with a step very expressive of defiance to my
authority, marched away.
When I called the latter back, to ask him what meaning he had
in making that remark, he replied with an intolerably disrespectful
manner, that if I would appoint them to be the waggon-drivers, they
would look after the oxen; otherwise, they would not go out with
them again. Having said this, they turned their back, and in open
contempt walked out of the enclosure.
Much as I had hitherto borne, of these worthless Hottentots’
laziness, this behaviour, in the presence of all the rest and of the
Chief and a large party of chieftains who were at that time assembled
in the mootsi, was not to be endured; as the certain consequences
would have been, the total want of subordination of all my men and
some serious liberties on the part of the natives, who would now be
convinced that I was unable to check even the disobedience of my own
servants. But knowing that the safety of all depended on unanimity,
or, if that was inattainable, at least, on due subordination, I resolved
at all hazards to maintain my authority; and, buckling on my pistols
and cutlass, I hastily followed Comelis, with Speelman and Platje
whom I ordered to bring him back. But as he was the tallest and
stoutest man of our party, they declared that they were afraid to
approach him.
I was obliged therefore, to support the step which I had taken, by
hastening alone towards him ; and on overtaking him, commanded
him instantly to return to the waggons. He was at the first moment,
on the point of refusing obedience; but observing me to be armed,
and seeing me determined on enforcing my words, he thought it
more advisable to obey ; and with a slow and reluctant pace, walked
before me to the enclosure.
Mattivi, on seeing me arm myself to pursue this man, had
quitted his party and alone followed me at a short distance, as if to
witness the result; but he said nothing, nor in any .manner interposed
his authority, either to restrain my proceedings or to assist them,
' As soon as we had reached the waggons, I assembled my men,
and in their presence, declared to Comelis that unless he begged my
pardon for the great disrespect of which he had been guilty, I would
instantly have him punished. He seemed to hesitate. At this
moment 1 felt myself placed in that critical situation which was
balanced between violent measures and all the dangers of ineffective
authority. Nothing could he more discordant to my disposition, or
wishes, than the former, nor more fatal to the expedition, than the
latter. While I assumed the appearance of a firm resolution to have
my threats put immediately into execution, I in reality made a delay of
a minute or two, in order to give him time to reflect on the dangerous
position in which we all stood. This had the effect so much hoped
for; and he at length begged pardon for his conduct. 1 He did it,
howeyer, in so unwilling a manner, that it was evident that I had
preserved nothing more than the bare appearance of my command.
When this affair was ended, as I supposed, and all had returned
to their hut, Mattivi and Mollemmi came to my waggon, and sat with
me for about half an hour. In the course of our conversation, he
noticed what had just passed, and said, he was glad that I had succeeded
by words, in making him obedient ; that whenever any of his
servants were disobedient, he always endeavoured to bring them to
their duty by the same means.
But during that time, Comelis, whom my manner had alarmed
into a concession of his error, had recovered his refractory spirit, and
began to repent of having shown submission. As soon as they were
gone, he came once more to the waggon to ask me why I went to
him with arms in my hand. I succeeded in stifling all my anger at
this revival of his insolence, and replied; that I should give neither
him, nor any of my men, reasons for what I did; that I most
seriously advised him not to try the experiment of agam irritating
me, blit to go away and remember that as he was my servant, he was