distant, in a north-easterly direction.

In January, 1835, a scientific expedition under Dr. Andrew Smith,
arrived at Moffat's station. This visit appeared as though ordered by an
over-ruling Providence for the especial benefit of himself and his
devoted wife. It found them in sore trouble, and it brought help and a
friend in time of need. Mr. Edwards was away and Robert had been
overworked. When Dr. Smith arrived, he found him suffering from an
attack of intermittent fever, and hastened to render aid. Under the
Doctor's skilful treatment he speedily recovered. On the 10th of March
another son was added to the Moffat family, and shortly afterwards Mary
was suddenly taken seriously ill, and became so weak, that for many days
her recovery seemed hopeless. The Doctor was at that time away
surveying, but upon receiving information of the position of affairs at
Kuruman, he immediately hastened to render all the assistance in his
power.

Speaking of this friend, raised up so unexpectedly, Robert Moffat writes
in his book: "His tender sympathy and unremitting attention in that
trying season, during which all hope of her recovery had fled, can never
be erased from our grateful recollection, for in the midst of his active
and laborious engagements at the head of the expedition, he watched for
several successive nights, with fraternal sympathy, what appeared to be
the dying pillow of my beloved partner, nor did he leave before she was
out of danger."

A life-long friendship was cherished for the one who had come to them in
their sore need, and who was always most gratefully remembered by the
African missionary and his exemplary wife.