Seagrave.
"Well, sir, such was our reason for not giving up our mad scheme; and
having so decided, the next point of consultation between us was, how
we were to procure arms and ammunition, which we could not do without.
As we were talking this over, I peeped from behind the rock to see
where the Hottentot might be; I perceived that he had laid himself
down, and wrapped himself up in his kross, a mantle of sheep-skins
which they always wear. Now we had observed that he carried his musket
in his hand, when we first saw him, as the Hottentots always go out
armed, and I pointed out to Hastings and Romer that if he was asleep,
we might get possession of his musket without his perceiving it. This
was a good idea, and Hastings said he would crawl to him on his hands
and knees, while we remained behind the rock. He did so very
cautiously, and found the man's head covered up in his kross and fast
asleep; so there was no fear, for the Hottentots are very hard to wake
at any time; that we knew well. Hastings first took the musket and
carried it away out of the reach of the Hottentot, and then he returned
to him, cut the leather thong which slung his powder-horn and
ammunition, and retreated with all of them without disturbing the man
from his sleep.
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