morning. Though there were many noxious animals there; yet so kind
was our Almighty protector, that none of them were ever permitted to
hurt or molest us. Thus we went on our journey until the second day
after our departure from Dukandarra, when we came to the entrance of a
great desert. During our travel in that we were often affrighted with
the doleful howlings and yellings of wolves, lions, and other animals.
After five days travel we came to the end of this desert, and
immediately entered into a beautiful and extensive interval country.
Here my mother was pleased to stop and seek a refuge for me. She left
me at the house of a very rich farmer. I was then, I should judge,
not less than one hundred forty miles from my native place, separated
from all my relations and acquaintance. At this place my mother took
her farewell of me, and set out for her own country. My new guardian,
as I shall call the man with whom I was left, put me into the business
of tending sheep, immediately after I was left with him. The flock
which I kept with the assistance of a boy, consisted of about forty.
We drove them every morning between two and three miles to pasture,
into the wide and delightful plains. When night drew on, we drove
them home and secured them in the cote. In this round I continued
during my stay there. One incident that befel me when I was driving
my flock from pasture, was so dreadful to me at that age, and is to
this time fresh in my memory, that I cannot help noticing it in this
place. Two large dogs sallied out of a certain house and set upon me.
One of them took me by the arm, and the other by the thigh, and before
their master could come and relieve me, they lacerated my flesh to
such a degree, that the scars are very visible to the present day. My
master was immediately sent for. He came and carried me home, as I
was unable to go myself on account of my wounds. Nothing remarkable
happened afterwards until my father sent for me to return home.