When about half-way through this sterile district, they came to the site
upon which was to be built the village of Beaufort West, where they were
most kindly entertained by a Scotchman named Mr. Baird, the newly
appointed magistrate.

The Orange River, so frequently an insurmountable obstacle to progress,
was passed in safety, the water being very low, and two or three days
later Griqua Town was reached. Here a halt was made. Lattakoo lay one
hundred miles beyond.

At this time some uncertainty existed as to whether the Moffats would be
allowed by the Colonial Government to settle at Lattakoo; thus far
consent had been withheld. They had advanced trusting that the way would
be opened, and after a short rest at Griqua Town, the party continued
their journey, and reached Lattakoo five days after leaving the Griqua
station. It was intended that Robert Moffat should take the place of Mr.
Read, as an associate with Mr. Hamilton in the work of the mission.

The new arrivals were introduced to Mothibi, and were soon visited by a
retinue of chiefs. The manner, appearance, and dress of these natives
much interested Mary Moffat. The whole missionary party stayed together
for three weeks, settling the affairs of the mission; then the Rev. J.
Campbell and Mr. Read started on a journey to visit the Bahurutsi, a
tribe who dwelt nearly two hundred miles to the north-east of Lattakoo.
Moffat and his wife remained with Mr. Hamilton, so that the new
missionary might win the affections of the Bechwana chief and his
people.

[Illustration]