100 THE DIAMOND MINES OF SOUTH AFRICA
porcupine.
But in the heart of the wilderness, in his venturesome trek over the
pathless veld, and in the traverse of mountains and deserts, he showed
what scornful eyes had not seen, — the self-reliance, the fortitude,
and the pluck of the true pioneer. He packed his wife and children and
all his needful supplies in a huge, low-bodied wagon under an arched
frame covered with
waterproof
canvas. To this stout wagon sixteen strong oxen were yoked to the chain
or rawhide rope forming a trektouw. Every ox was a helpmate. Every one
knew his name and place and resented a change in yoking. The Boer and
his Hottentot helpers spoke to them all familiarly, and could cut
at will a fly from the ear of any one with a flick of their long-lashed
whip. When these prairie-schooners lumbered off, creaking and swaying,
with a chorus of Dutch and native calls, the Boers and their sons rode
beside them on ungainly flea-bitten horses, trained to herding and
hunting, and often possessing uncommon bottom and speed.
The
Boer was by nature prudent and wary. For comfort and safeguard the
advance of the Great Trek was in companies, camping at night on plain
and hillside, with wagons ranged to form a rough palisade and kraal. No
morning or nightfall ever passed without prayers and the reading or
recital of Scripture. For every step of his way he looked to
his God for guidance, and he felt that the old promises to the chosen
people were renewed to him. His faith in the literal inspiration of the
Bible was unwavering. He did not doubt that the sun stood still at the
call of Joshua, or wonder at the slaughter of Philistines with the
jawbone of an ass. In face of every privation and the direst peril he
was sustained by his certain reliance on the help of One who could make
a spring gush from the desert rock, or deliver
