were looked upon as being the cause of this misfortune.  At one time it was a bag of salt, which Moffat had brought in his waggon, that frightened the rain away; at another the sound of the chapel bell.  Their prospects became darker than ever.  At last it appeared that the natives had fully decided to expel them from their midst.  A chief man, and about a dozen of his attendants, came and seated themselves under the shadow of a large tree near to Moffat’s house.  He at that moment was engaged in repairing a waggon near at hand.  The scene which ensued and its result we give in his own words:—­

[Illustration:  “Now then, if you will drive your spears to my heart.”]

“Being informed that something of importance was to be communicated, Mr. Hamilton was called.  We stood patiently to hear the message, always ready to face the worst.  The principal speaker informed us, that it was the determination of the chiefs of the people that we should leave the country; and referring to our disregard of threatenings, added what was tantamount to the assurance that measures of a violent character would be resorted to, to carry their resolutions into effect, in case of our disobeying the order.

“While the chief was speaking, he stood quivering his spear in his right hand.  Mrs. Moffat was at the door of our cottage, with the babe in her arms, watching the crisis, for such it was.  We replied:—­

“’We have indeed felt most reluctant to leave, and are now more than ever resolved to abide by our post.  We pity you, for you know not what you do; we have suffered, it is true; and He whose servants we are has directed us in His Word, “When they persecute you in one city, flee ye to another,” but although we have suffered, we do not consider all that has been done to us by the people amounts to persecution; we are prepared to expect it from such as know no better.  If you are resolved to rid yourselves of us, you must resort to stronger measures, for our hearts are with you.  You may shed blood or burn us out.  We know you will not touch our wives and children.’”

Then throwing open his waistcoat Moffat stood erect and fearless.  “Now then,” said he, “if you will, drive your spears to my heart; and when you have slain me, my companions will know that the hour has come for them to depart.”

At these words the chief man looked at his companions, remarking, with a significant shake of the head, “These men must have ten lives, when they are so fearless of death; there must be something in immortality.”

Moffat pithily observes, “The meeting broke up, and they left us, no doubt fully impressed with the idea that we were impracticable men.”

[Illustration]

CHAPTER V.

The Mantatee invasion.

In March, 1823, a second daughter was born to the Moffats, who was named Ann.  At that time the Batlaping were thoroughly indifferent to the Gospel, but their hostile spirit to the missionaries had passed away.